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SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley said he has "had a few conversations" with caretaker national team manager Dave Sarachan, but declined to get into whether he anticipated getting called up for the United States' upcoming friendlies. Bradley hasn't been called up to the national team since the U.S. was eliminated from qualifying for the 2018 World Cup last October, when the team sustained a stunning 2-1, final day defeat to Trinidad & Tobago. Since then, Bradley's role as captain has seen him bear the brunt of negative reaction from fans. During the away leg of last year's Eastern Conference final against the Columbus Crew Bradley was booed every time he touched the ball, though in Saturday's 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes there was nothing out of the ordinary in terms of fan attention. Meanwhile, Sarachan has gone with a youth movement during his six matches in charge that has resulted in players such as Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams earning their first caps, while other players like defender Matt Miazga have seen their stock rise. Following Saturday's match, Bradley was asked if had talked with Sarachan about the upcoming matches against Brazil on Sept. 7 in Rutherford, New Jersey and Mexico on Sept. 11 in Nashville, Tennessee. He told ESPN FC, "Dave and I have had a few conversations, yes." But when asked if he anticipated getting called in, Bradley said, "That's not a question for me." When asked if he had been told that he was on any preliminary roster list, his response was the same. Bradley was then asked how excited he would be to get called in given the opponents that are lined up, he said, "Representing the national team is always a huge honor. It's given me some of the finest days in my career. "Any time you have that opportunity it's special." Sarachan attended Saturday's match at San Jose's Avaya Stadium, but through a U.S. Soccer Federation spokesperson declined an interview request.
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