USMNT captain Michael Bradley confirms that he'll miss Peru friendly to play for Toronto FC at Seattle

Michael Bradley (United States) and Harold Cummings (Panama) in the Gold Cup third-place game

Michael Bradley has confirmed reports that he'll miss out on the US national team's friendly against Peru on Sept. 4 in Washington, D.C., acknowledging that he'll remain with his Toronto FC in an interview with Toronto sports-talk radio station TSN 1050 on Friday morning. 


Bradley could, however, rejoin the USMNT for their friendly vs. Brazil on Sept. 8 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, should head coach Jurgen Klinsmann decide so.


"I'll be with Toronto FC in Seattle," said the midfield general. "There was some discussions between everyone at U.S. Soccer and everyone at Toronto FC, going back a few months to when we played those friendlies in June.


"There was agreement that for this game in Seattle that I'd be able to stay with Toronto FC and then afterwards, if Jurgen would like, then I'll join up with the team in Boston for the game against Brazil."



Bradley's planned absence from USMNT duty was reported by the Toronto Sun earlier this week, but TFC head coach Greg Vanney originally broached the possibility earlier this month.

Toronto FC are set to play the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on September 5 (10 pm ET; TSN2/MLS LIVE) and Bradley would have to miss this crucial match if he were to suit up for Jurgen Klinsmann's team against Peru.


On August 18, Vanney hinted that Bradley and his teammate Jozy Altidore could stay with Toronto instead of playing for the US.

Bradley has missed seven games this season due to call-ups to the US, including four straight during the Gold Cup. He also missed the two games immediately after the tournament due to an injury.


It is unclear if Altidore will leave Toronto during the international window.