Minnesota United had four players involved in international matches earlier this month. Francisco Calvo and Johan Venegas (Costa Rica) and Kevin Molino (Trinidad and Tobago) squared off in World Cup qualifying matches, while Jermaine Taylor (Jamaica) participated in an international friendly. See what they were up to while they were away from MNUFC.

Francisco Calvo – Costa Rica

Costa Rica called in its players early to prepare for two home matches on the qualifying slate, following a tough road trip in March when they took just one point from two matches. Calvo was rested during the first match against Panama, with the Ticos earning a 0-0 draw. He got the start in the following match against Trinidad and Tobago and wasted no time making his presence known. Just 45 seconds into the match, Calvo headed the ball into the back of the net off a corner kick. His goal helped Costa Rica to a 2-1 win, keeping it at second place in the standings.

Johan Venegas – Costa Rica

Venegas was a starter in both of the Ticos’ matches in the qualifying cycle. He went 88 minutes against Panama, a match that ended in a scoreless draw. He then played 60 before being subbed off in the 2-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago.

Kevin Molino – Trinidad and Tobago

The Soca Warriors benefited from having Molino play every minute of both their matches this time out. The first match against the United States was an uphill battle for the island nation. Molino thought he had an assist after the first U.S. goal, but it was called offside. He got on the scoresheet in the match against Costa Rica, tying the match at 1-1 in the 35th minute. Costa Rica would come back to win the match 2-1.

Jermaine Taylor – Jamaica

The Reggae Boyz were eliminated from qualifying in the last round, so they participated in a friendly against Peru ahead of the Caribbean Cup later this month. Taylor got the start and went a full 90 minutes for Jamaica, but they would be easily dispatched by the South American side by a score of 3-1.