Two MLSers feature as Venezuela loses to Colombia to kick off 2022 World Cup qual

Int'l Round-up: MLSers in action in Colombia, 'Caps defender makes senior debut

Cristian Casseres Jr. - Celebrating - AP

Two MLS players and a couple of alums were in action for Venezuela in their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying opener against Colombia on Friday night in Barranquilla. Colombia won 3-0 on the back of a brace from Luis Muriel.


On Venezuela’s squad were LA Galaxy right back Rolf Feltscher and Chicago Fire left back Miguel Navarro and the central midfield duo of Jose Martinez from the Philadelphia Union and Cristian Casseres Jr. of the New York Red Bulls. Navarro and Martinez weren't on the gameday squad, while Feltscher and Casseres Jr. both made appearances off the bench.


Casseres Jr. came on in the 78th minute while Feltscher entered in the 79th minute, with the score already 3-0.


It was Casseres Jr.'s first cap for La Vinotinto, which also features former NYCFC midfielder Yangel Herrera and Jefferson Savarino, who spent three seasons with Real Salt Lake. Savarino and Herrera both started for their country, earning their 14th and 19th caps, respectively. 


'Caps defender earns 1st cap for Tunisia


Whitecaps center back Jasser Khmiri made his first appearance for Tunisia's senior men's team, playing the final 10 minutes of Tunisia's 3-0 win against Sudan in an international friendly played in Rades, Tunisia.


The 23-year-old Khmiri, who was part of Tunisia senior team camps in the past, came on for an attacking player to help see out the shutout and he picked up an 85th-minute yellow card during his debut. He'll hope for some more time when Tunisia face Nigeria in another friendly on Oct. 13.


Tunisia are tuning up for upcoming 2021 African Cup of Nations Qualifying matches. They currently sit atop Group J with a 2W-0L-0D record with matches against Tanzania coming up on Nov. 9 and Nov. 17.