GOAL breaks down where players stand after this summer
The Gold Cup is over and, for the European-based players in the U.S. men's national team squad, that means some well-deserved downtime. For the MLS contingent, though, no rest is coming. Right back into their clubs they go for the second half of the domestic season.
In total, Mauricio Pochettino's 26-man USMNT squad featured 15 MLS-based players, many of whom played big roles throughout the Gold Cup. Yes, stars from Europe formed the backbone of this team, but there were MLS contributors aplenty, names like Diego Luna, Patrick Agyemang, and Matt Freese, all of whom were starters throughout the summer.
With less than one year until the World Cup, those in MLS, like those in Europe, have a fight on their hands. Everyone is jockeying for a spot on next summer's roster, and for players looking to walk that tightrope onto that squad, the next few months will be crucial. Pochettino isn't just looking at talent – he's looking at form and attitude, which gives the MLS players plenty to work with as they make their pushes.
Where do the players stand, though? What's at stake for the USMNT's MLS contingent now that the Gold Cup is over? GOAL takes a look…
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Diego Luna – Of all the MLS players, Luna is probably the most secure outfield player at the moment. His grit and tenacity have impressed Pochettino, as has his ability to go out there and get a goal. Could Europe come calling at some point? Sure, but, for the moment, continuing to be at Real Salt Lake looks like the best path towards a World Cup.
Matt Freese – He was the No. 1 goalkeeper this summer, largely because he was the hot hand. So, while Matt Turner looks to sort himself out in Europe, Freese's best path towards USMNT minutes is to continue to do his thing with NYCFC. He took a huge leap forward, particularly with his shootout heroics against Costa Rica, but Pochettino has made it clear that form will trump past successes, so Freese has to simply keep performing.
Sebastian Berhalter – He brought tenacity and set-piece delivery to the USMNT midfield, and any fan of the Vancouver Whitecaps will tell you he's been bringing that to their midfield for some time now. Just 24, Berhalter still has a long career ahead of him and, if all goes to plan, he will be an integral part of a trophy-contending Whitecaps team this season. Competition is tight in central midfield with the Euro-based stars like Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, to name a few, but Berhalter, at the very least, made an impression.
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Patrick Agyemang – By all accounts, he's bound for Derby, which is, admittedly, a big risk. No risk, no reward, though, right? At Derby, Agyemang will have to raise his game to another level. His raw talent got him through the door, and the Charlotte FC star made the most of his USMNT chance since bursting through it. However, to compete with the Ricardo Pepis and Folarin Baloguns of the world, he's determined that his best path is to show that he, too, can score in Europe. Is it a risk? Yes. Could he have made a World Cup run in MLS? Certainly. Now, though, Agyemang is pushing for more.
Jack McGlynn – He just re-signed with the Dynamo, so no move is imminent, but McGlynn confirmed to GOAL earlier this summer that, at some point, the aim is to get to Europe. Now, then, it's all about timing. As he continues to develop in a more attacking role with the Houston Dynamo, McGlynn will hope to continue to fight for a USMNT place, either in that hybrid winger role or, if all goes to plan, somewhere more central.
Max Arfsten – A mainstay in the XI all summer long, Arfsten held down that left back spot despite generally playing as a wingback for the Columbus Crew. Due to his attacking skillset, he's been linked with Toulouse and, given the variety of options at fullback at the moment, a move to Europe at some point could be his best path towards challenging for more USMNT minutes down the line.
Alex Freeman – The Orlando City defender still has so much developing to do, which makes sense when you remember he's just 21. He showed this summer, though, that he has plenty of raw talent, enough to already put him into contention for a World Cup spot. Europe will call for Freeman at some point, but right now, there's no doubting that he's in a great place to develop with Orlando City. He can pick and choose, then, when he does have to make a decision, even if it's a little while down the line.
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Tim Ream – Ream continues to win his battle with Father Time and, as long as that remains the case, he'll be in Pochettino's plans. However, players can fall off quickly, particularly at 38, so Ream will remain in "prove-it" mode right up until the World Cup. He'll need to keep putting in good shifts with Charlotte FC and the USMNT. If he does, he may defy the odds and start once again next summer.
Walker Zimmerman – Zimmerman has thrived in a closer role for the USMNT, dating all the way back to the 2022 World Cup. That role could certainly keep him involved as an extra center back by the time we reach 2026. Revered for his leadership and professionalism, Zimmerman is a valuable presence in camp, but with other options playing at good levels in Europe, he'll really need to stand out with Nashville SC.
Luca de la Torre – One of the big winners this summer, De la Torre rejoined the team to get, in his eyes, his first real, consistent chance with the USMNT. There's no doubt the San Diego FC star can play, having only joined the MLS club on loan from Celta Vigo this offseason. He's a good tempo setter and clean on the ball, which makes him a valuable No. 8 in this team. Can he beat out others? It'll be tough, but it certainly helps that he's currently such a crucial player for his hometown team in MLS.
Miles Robinson – Robinson's strengths are obvious, and you saw some of them in the pre-tournament friendly against Turkey. However, he played a whopping five minutes during the Gold Cup, showing where he is in the centerback pecking order. He's a perennial MLS Best XI contender and, if he can reach that level, he'll be harder to deny, but at the moment, the FC Cincinnati defender is in a tough spot.
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Chris Brady – When you're the third goalkeeper, you know what you're signing up for. In that role, Brady didn't see the field this summer, which means he's still hunting for a USMNT debut. His performances with the Chicago Fire got him into the mix, though, and, just 21, he's still an infant as far as goalkeepers go. But Brady is surely one to keep an eye on.
Quinn Sullivan – While all eyes are on his younger brother, Cavan, the elder Sullivan has developed into a pretty good young player, too. It was surprising he didn't get more of a run at the Gold Cup, considering the lack of wingers, but you can understand it a bit when you take into account his inexperience. He'll have to raise his ceiling a bit with the Philadelphia Union by growing as a player and, ultimately, contributing to more goals.