SAN JOSE, Calif. – Three San Jose Earthquakes players have been called to their respective national teams for matches during the upcoming FIFA international window in September. Midfielder Jahmir Hyka will represent Albania against Israel and Scotland, while defender Guram Kashia and midfielder Vako will represent Georgia against Kazakhstan and Latvia.
The UEFA Nations League is a new international competition that will commence every two years. Albania is competing in Group 1 of the third-tier League C alongside Israel and Scotland, while Georgia was drawn into Group 1 of the fourth-tier League D, which includes Kazakhstan, Latvia and Andorra.
Albania plays home vs. Israel on Sept. 7 and away against Scotland on Sept. 11. Georgia plays away against Kazakhstan on Sept. 6 and home vs. Latvia on Sept. 9. The competition will continue during FIFA breaks in October and November.
Hyka, 30, has scored two goals in 43 prior appearances for Albania. He most recently played for his nation of berth in September of 2017 against Liechtenstein and Macedonia.
Vako, 25, has scored eight goals in 32 prior appearances for the Georgia National Team. In March 2018, he was called up to the Georgian National Team for two friendlies against Lithuania and Estonia, starting and scoring a goal in both matches. His long-range goal against Estonia was featured on SportsCenter’s Top-10.
Kashia, 31, has made 65 prior appearances for Georgia. He played in all of Georgia’s last 14 matches to date, in which Georgia earned a 6-4-4 record. Kashia has emerged as a leader for his national team and has been given the captain’s armband seven times since May 2016.
