As we detailed in our Week 2 MLS preview, there are somewhere between 25-30 players being called away for national duty this weekend. Obviously, some teams are considerably more effected than others. The New York Red Bulls, for instance, will be without seven of their players and several more teams will be missing at least two.
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In some cases, this will make otherwise lopsided matchups look a lot more even, like when the Columbus Crew host the Red Bulls at 4 p.m. EDT. Making matters worse for the Red Bulls is their missing Thierry Henry, who apparently suffered a knock during training this week.
The first game on the slate, Toronto FC vs. Portland Timbers, is one of the few games that is relatively unaffected (with no projected starters missing from either side). Both teams are looking to rebound for disappointing opening week performances, with TFC being embarrassed by the Vancouver Whitecaps and Timbers being humbled by the Colorado Rapids.
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