Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard Episode: Anders Dreyer Calls MLS a "Dream"; Max Arfsten Is Hungry for More Release Date: July 29, 2025

In this engaging episode of Unfiltered Soccer, hosts Landon Donovan and Tim Howard delve deep into the burgeoning narratives of Major League Soccer (MLS) by spotlighting two standout players: Anders Dreyer of San Diego FC and Max Arfsten of Columbus Crew. Through candid conversations, Donovan and Howard uncover the players' journeys, challenges, and aspirations, providing listeners with an intimate look into the lives of MLS's rising stars.

Featuring Anders Dreyer: From Denmark to San Diego FC

Background and Journey to San Diego The episode kicks off with Tim Howard introducing Anders Dreyer, highlighting his impressive performance at the 2025 MLS All-Star Game and his leading role at San Diego FC. Anders shares his humble beginnings, recounting his childhood in a small Danish village where he began playing football at the tender age of three alongside his father, a local coach.

At [00:56], Dreyer outlines his professional trajectory: "I moved to a bigger club in Denmark, then took a step down to the Superliga after an unsuccessful stint with Brighton in England. From there, my journey took me through Russia and Anderlecht before landing in San Diego."

Adapting to MLS and Creating a New Legacy Discussing his move to San Diego FC, Dreyer emphasizes the unique opportunity of being part of a new franchise. At [04:07], he reflects, "It's so nice to be a part of creating that culture and being a part of creating a new club with all my teammates and the staff." He praises theMLS for its playing style, aligning it with his desire to engage in a dynamic, enjoyable style of football.

Challenges and Triumphs in a New Environment Dreyer candidly discusses the hurdles of adapting to the MLS, such as long travels and varying climates. At [05:01], he acknowledges, "It is tough. It is tough. Also here in Austin, it was also tough, but that's a part of the learning process." Despite early setbacks, including three consecutive losses, Dreyer highlights the resilience and unity within the team that helped them maintain a strong performance throughout the season.

Ambitions and National Team Aspirations When probed about his ambitions and potential MVP contention, Dreyer remains team-focused. At [10:26], he asserts, "For me, the most important thing is the team. Players who play on a team which is successful will be viewed better." His performance in the MLS has rekindled his relationship with the Danish national team, leading to his recent inclusion in friendlies and potential future selections.

Perspectives on MLS Quality Dreyer offers a compelling comparison of MLS to other European leagues, stating at [12:17], "The MLS league is a good level of football, and there are very, very good players in this league that keeps the level high." He positions MLS alongside leagues like Belgium’s, suggesting its growth and increasing competitiveness on the global stage.

Love for San Diego Concluding his segment, Dreyer expresses his affinity for San Diego, praising its favorable weather and lifestyle. At [13:15], he shares, "Going to training in flip flops, shorts, and T-shirts. That's amazing. And that's a part that I don't think I'm getting tired of after a tough session."

Spotlighting Max Arfsten: Rising Star with Unyielding Ambition

Unique Path to Professional Soccer Transitioning to Max Arfsten’s story, Donovan and Howard explore his unconventional journey from Fresno to the MLS. Arfsten recounts his time at UC Davis and his entry into professional soccer through a combine with the San Jose Earthquakes' MLS Next Pro team. At [15:23], he narrates, "I took a leap of faith and decided to join San Jose because I felt like at Davis there wasn't a lot of exposure for me to hope to get drafted."

Overcoming Early Setbacks Despite an initial stint with San Jose, Arfsten faced uncertainty when the team decided to go in a different direction. This setback led to his selection by the Columbus Crew in the MLS draft, marking a pivotal turn in his career.

Becoming a Key Player at Columbus Crew Arfsten reflects on his transition to a more central role at Columbus Crew. At [17:21], he shares, "It's honestly awesome... I never take it for granted... I have a lot of pride in being a big part of the team now." His dedication and hard work have cemented his position as a crucial asset to the team.

Gold Cup Experience and Growth Discussing his participation in the Gold Cup, Arfsten highlights the mental growth he experienced through high-pressure matches. At [18:08], he states, "I grew so much mentally. I just feel like I got mentally stronger, and that just comes with the experience." The intense rivalry against Mexico fortified his resilience and hunger for more significant challenges.

Coaching Insights: Mauricio vs. Wilfried Arfsten delves into the contrasting coaching styles of Mauricio Pochettino and Wilfried. At [20:15], he explains, "Wilfried is extremely detailed with the tactics... Pochettino, I feel like he's a coach that wants his players to play to their strengths." This dual perspective has enriched his tactical understanding and versatility on the field.

Positioning and Two-Footed Skills A notable aspect of Arfsten’s play is his proficiency with both feet. Initially a winger, he has adapted to the role of a left wing-back, seamlessly integrating offensive instincts with defensive responsibilities. At [21:39], he affirms, "I certainly view myself as a left wing-back... I'm embracing the challenge."

Intense Rivalries and Future Aspirations Arfsten shares his unparalleled experience of the USA-Mexico rivalry, describing it as unmatched in intensity and significance. At [25:28], he remarks, "Nothing compares to USA vs. Mexico in terms of intensity and the pressure of the game." This fervor fuels his ambition to continue contributing to the national team’s success.

Mastering Two-Footed Play Exploring his unique ability to perform with his non-dominant foot, Arfsten attributes it to early training and personal dedication. At [23:54], he explains, "I always just when I started playing, I loved dribbling with my left foot... my dad told me to practice shooting with my right." This skill enhances his versatility and effectiveness on the pitch.

Concluding Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Unfiltered Soccer provides a comprehensive look into the lives of Anders Dreyer and Max Arfsten, showcasing their dedication, adaptability, and aspirations within MLS. Dreyer’s emphasis on team culture and personal growth, coupled with Arfsten’s resilience and tactical versatility, highlight the dynamic landscape of American soccer. Donovan and Howard skillfully guide the conversation, eliciting meaningful insights that resonate with both avid soccer fans and casual listeners alike.

As the hosts bid farewell to their guests, the excitement for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America looms large, with players like Dreyer and Arfsten poised to make significant impacts on both club and international stages. This episode underscores the evolving narrative of MLS as a competitive and nurturing ground for talent, setting the stage for the future of soccer in the United States.