On the Australia side, starting center-back Cameron Burgess is here visiting on international duty … but was nearly here permanently.
The Portland Timbers pursed Burgess this summer when his contract with Ipswich Town expired and were confident to sign him, sources briefed on negotiations said — but Burgess ultimately decided to stay in the United Kingdom with Swansea City.
Another familiar face to MLS fans is starting defensive midfielder Aiden O’Neill, who is a regular starter for NYCFC.
Fellow MLS-based Aussies Kye Rowles (D.C. United) and Patrick Yazbek (Nashville SC) are on the bench, as is former Columbus Crew center back Milos Degenek.
And we may well see some of those guys soon.