CoG Studios, CA – It was a feel-good story while it lasted. Baggio Husidic, at the age of 29, was finally going to be called up to his home country’s national team, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was especially enlightening when you take the time to understand that Husidic, before he was 10 years old, would have to flee his war-torn country of birth, survive a refugee camp, travel to Germany, endure daily beatings from his peers and eventually wind up in Chicago.
READ MORE: Once a Refugee: How the LA Galaxy’s Baggio Husidic survived the Bosnian War and made it in America – Scott French
If it was ever in the back of his mind that he’d be called in by the Bosnian National team for their upcoming friendlies, he never let on. But I have to imagine it was still a big moment when it was announced that Baggio would be included in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s upcoming friendlies against Spain (May 29, 2016) and Denmark (June 2, 2016).
However, late on Thursday night (May 26, 2016) twitter started filling up with seemingly official quotes from reporters with the Bosnian National Team that Baggio Husidic was not released by the LA Galaxy for these games.
Tino Susic (injured),Sanjin Prcic (injured) and Adis Husidic (not allowed to leave by the club) will all miss the friendly game against Span
— BiHfootball (@BiHFootball) May 27, 2016
In addition, a story was published that claimed the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) was involved and a request was never received for Husidic (it is roughly translated here).
Corner of the Galaxy reached out to the LA Galaxy for an official statement. They responded that the LA Galaxy “…did not receive a formal request for Baggio (Husidic),” and that “Baggio is with the team.”
So we know that Baggio Husidic is with the LA Galaxy in Montreal, seemingly because paperwork was never received. It’s unclear where the breakdown in communication lies, but it’s probably safe to say that if the Galaxy did receive that request they would’ve released Husidic for these friendlies.
Husidic will be available for the LA Galaxy’s Saturday night match against Montreal on May 28 and should also be available for next Thursday’s clash with Sporting Kansas City.
Ultimately, if you’re a fan of Baggio Husidic, you have to imagine that in the not too distant future, he will get to go and play for his home country of Bosnia and Herzegovina – paperwork pending, of course.