Michael Bradley won’t play for US in exhibition, leaving him available for TFC

TORONTO – Michael Bradley will be rejoin Toronto FC ahead of the team’s crucial game Wednesday against the New York Red Bulls, after being released from national team duty.

Toronto’s captain wasn’t named to the U.S. squad for its exhibition against Cost Rica on Tuesday.

Toronto FC is battling for post-season positioning with three games remaining in the regular-season. The Reds are fifth in the Eastern Conference with 46 points, one point ahead of Montreal Impact but with a game in hand.

TFC forward Jozy Altidore will remain with the U.S. team which lost 3-2 to Mexico in Saturday’s playoff for CONCACAF’s spot in the 2017 Confederations Cup.

Toronto FC star striker Sebastian Giovinco remains with Italy and so likely unavailable Wednesday. Giovinco came on as a substitute in the 77th minute in Italy’s 2-1 win over Azerbaijan on Thursday.

The U.S. play Costa Rica at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. The exhibition is the United States’ final match before the start of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.