The MLS season is finally here, and it couldn't come at a more crucial time. With the World Cup just four months away, American players are juggling two massive priorities – impressing their clubs and catching the eye of USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino.
For guys like New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese, it's a delicate balancing act. He was chilling in Palm Springs with his teammates last week, enjoying fire pits and palm trees while preparing for the season opener against LA Galaxy. But the World Cup pressure is real, even if he's trying not to think about it too much.
Freese's story is pretty wild. He got his first national team call-up just last January and didn't play until June. Then suddenly, he became the starting goalkeeper after some clutch penalty saves during the Gold Cup run. Now at 27, he's likely heading to his first World Cup.
"I think it would be a mistake to change the way I prepare for a season just because of the potential of such a big moment in the middle of it," Freese explained. Smart thinking – stick with what works.
Different Players, Different World Cup Paths
Not every MLS player is in the same boat though. Take Cade Cowell from the New York Red Bulls. He hasn't been in a USMNT camp for two years, but he's still holding onto hope. "I think every American player, it's still a goal to be on the World Cup roster," he said.
The competition for those 26 roster spots is fierce. Pochettino has been pulling players from across MLS, which keeps the door open for guys like Cowell. But he knows he needs to improve, especially on defense – something every attacking player hates but has to do.
For bettors watching the odds on World Cup roster selections, performances in these opening MLS weeks will be crucial. Players on the bubble need strong starts to convince Pochettino they deserve a spot.
Then there's LAFC captain Hugo Lloris, who's in a totally different situation. The 2018 World Cup winner with France already retired from international duty. At 39, he's just focused on enjoying his final years in the game.
The Bigger Picture for American Soccer
"I'm more relaxed than I used to be," Lloris admitted. "I take football in a less intense way." He came to MLS for a new experience and to spend time with his family while still competing at a high level.
Lloris sees soccer growing in America every day. He watches his daughters play at school and notices how dedicated parents are becoming to the sport. "I'm quite comfortable about the future of soccer. I'm sure it will continue to grow in the U.S.," he said.
The stakes are high for everyone involved. LAFC wants trophies across MLS, Champions Cup, and Leagues Cup. NYCFC is rebuilding after getting crushed 5-1 by Inter Miami in the playoffs. The Red Bulls are starting fresh under new coach Michael Bradley.
For American players hoping to make the World Cup squad, every match matters now. There's no time to ease into the season – it's perform or miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on home soil.
Freese keeps it simple with his approach. He meditates regularly, doesn't sleep with his phone in the room, and stays completely present. No distractions, no looking ahead – just focus on what's in front of him right now.
"Trophies live forever," he said, eyeing NYCFC's new sporting director Todd Dunivant's trophy collection. That's the mentality that could earn him both club success and a World Cup spot this summer.
