International

Buksa and Poland host Sweden with spot in 2022 FIFA World Cup on the line

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Revolution forward Adam Buksa has been called into the Poland National Team ahead of its FIFA World Cup Qualifying Second Round playoff match. Poland will face Scotland in a friendly match on Thursday, March 24 (3:45 p.m. ET) before taking on the winner of the UEFA Path B Semifinal between Sweden and the Czech Republic at Stadion Śląski in Chorzów, Poland on Tuesday, March 29 (2:45 p.m. ET – ESPN+), with the winner earning a spot in the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar.

Buksa made his first five appearances with the Poland National Team during World Cup Qualifying action last September and October. The 25-year-old striker recorded five goals in as many caps, including a hat trick in a 7-1 rout of San Marino on Sept. 5. He is tied for 10th in goals scored during the current UEFA World Cup Qualifying cycle. Buksa averaged 1.63 goals per 90 minutes played. Buksa is one of two players among the top-20 UEFA goal scorers who represents a non-European club alongside compatriot Karol Świderski (MLS - Charlotte FC).

Buksa led New England in scoring last season with 16 goals to go along with four assists in 31 games, helping New England to its first-ever Supporters’ Shield title. He has totaled 22 goals and eight assists in 57 MLS regular season appearances, in addition to two goals in five MLS Cup Playoff appearances. Buksa’s 22 league goals rank third most all-time among Polish players in MLS.

Revolution midfielder Arnór Traustason has also been called up to the Iceland National Team for a pair of international friendly matches. Iceland will travel to Spain to face Finland on Sat., March 26 (12:00 p.m. ET – ESPN+) before a match with Spain on Tue., March 29 (2:45 p.m. ET – ESPN+). Traustason, who captained Iceland in two January friendlies against South Korea and Uganda, has been capped 43 times with five goals at the international level. In 31 career MLS appearances with New England, including two this season, Traustason has started 20 times with two goals and seven assists.

The Revolution head into a bye week during the international window, before returning to action on April 2 to host the New York Red Bulls at Gillette Stadium. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on WSBK-TV38, myRITV, Cozi TV, 98.5 The Sports Hub, and 1260 AM Nossa Radio.