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MLS: 17 Major League Soccer players to expect at the 2018 World Cup

By Christopher Dodson

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 06: Orlando City defender Yoshimar Yotun (19) celebrates after scoring a goal during the soccer match between the Orlando City Lions and Real Salt Lake on May 6, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando FL. Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MAY 06: Orlando City defender Yoshimar Yotun (19) celebrates after scoring a goal during the soccer match between the Orlando City Lions and Real Salt Lake on May 6, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando FL. Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – MARCH 4: Nicolas Lodeiro #10 of the Seattle Sounders makes a pass as Cristian Roldan #7 of the Seattle Sounders watches during a match against Los Angeles FC at CenturyLink Field on March 4, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. Los Angeles FC won 1-0. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – MARCH 4: Nicolas Lodeiro #10 of the Seattle Sounders makes a pass as Cristian Roldan #7 of the Seattle Sounders watches during a match against Los Angeles FC at CenturyLink Field on March 4, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. Los Angeles FC won 1-0. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

3. Nicolas Lodeiro, Uruguay, Seattle Sounders

Lodeiro was named to Uruguay’s 26-man provisional roster with hopes he can fully recover in time for the pre-World Cup friendlies. If he can prove his fitness, Lodeiro’s pass skills translate to the international game. Fully healthy, Lodeiro could be the most high profile performer MLS has by the end of the World Cup. Uruguay is grouped with Saudi Arabia, Russian and Egypt and should advance, giving Lodeiro plenty of time between now and the knockout rounds. The Sounders have listed Lodeiro as questionable do to a toe fracture but are playing it coy.

If this is just a mild case of turf toe, perhaps Lodeiro can shake it off. If this is a fully fractured big toe, Lodeiro is a long shot to make the final cut.

2. David Guzman, Costa Rica, Portland Timbers

Guzman has been dealing with nagging injuries this season. He has barely featured even for the USL Sounders 2 team. The last four games Guzman has not been in the team, though he did rehab some in Costa Rica with national team doctors. Apparently Costa Rica manager Oscar Ramirez felt assured, as he named his final 23 instead of a preliminary roster.

Since 2010, Guzmán has 42 caps including appearances at the 2011 Copa America, several CONCACAF Gold Cups and  featured in many 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

1. Harold Cummings, San Jose Earthquakes, Panama

After an injury caused Cummings to miss the 2017 season, he has started 7 games in 2018. Before coming to MLS on a free transfer, Cummings helped Independiente Santa Fe of win their first-ever Copa Sudamericana title in 2015. At 26 and with a lost season, Cummings made it a priority to rehab with the World Cup in mind.

Next: MLS Week 11 Power Rankings

Cummings has been one of the only consistent performers for the Earthquakes this season, even though he received a straight red in last week’s road win in Minnesota. Cummings has played mostly at center-back but also spent some time at left-back for Panama.

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