Anders Dreyer Calls MLS a "Dream"; Max Arfsten Is Hungry for More

Summary

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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Tim]

Foreign soccer here at the 2025 MLS All Star Game. He is one of the top MVP contenders. Nobody talks about him, Tim, except me. He currently leads MLS in assists with 13. Big reason why my hometown team, San Diego FC are top of the Western Conference. None other than Anders Dreyer. All right, Anders, thank you for joining us. I think for a lot of people, they don't realize San Diego is, I think it's the eighth biggest city in our country by population, but it's very small. You know, I live there and you live there now. It's very small. So people still don't know a lot about San Diego in general San Diego fc, and they don't know a lot about you yet, but you have come onto the scene very quickly and I think this is an opportunity too, for people to learn about you. So can you just tell us, you know, where you grew up? People don't know a lot about you. Kind of your path to get to San Diego.

[Anders Dreyer]

Oh, yeah, I can. I grew up in a small, small village in Denmark. Started my playing football as a 3 years old. Always with my. With my dad. He was a coach for. For a team and went with him in the. In the bus and away trips and watched games and playing football on the side when they were playing 11 against 11 and it was funny. And I remember these away trips in my. In my memory. And then I moved to a bigger club in Denmark. And then after I think one and a half year in the first team, I went to Brighton in England. Didn't succeed. Level from Denmark to the Premier League was maybe too high. So I took a step down, went back to the Superliga to Michelle, and from there I've been traveling to Russia. Then I came back because the war happened in, in Ukraine and. And then I went to Anderlecht and now I'm in San Diego.

[Landon Donovan]

Yeah.

[Anders Dreyer]

So.

[Tim]

Yeah. How did you. How does it come about now that you come to San Diego? Like, how did that process. How did they find you? How did Tyler get to know you and find you?

[Anders Dreyer]

I think it. It happened also quick as well. I had a very good season in. In Anderlech the. The year before the season, 23, 24. Started the season in Underleg, then played until the January transfer window in Europe and the window here. And then I wanted to leave. And then San Diego and I had good speech with of course Mikey and Tyler. And I also think, of course the Right to Dream project, which is also in Denmark, in Norschuland. I played against them a lot of times. They knew me as a player and.

[Tim]

Yeah.

[Max Arston]

Yeah.

[Anders Dreyer]

I think there are these small things in football, in the world. Like, you also. Guys know it, and then sometimes it goes hand in hand and. Yeah. Then some weeks after my first talks with Tyler, I was sitting in San Diego in a San Diego jersey.

[Tim]

Wow.

[Landon Donovan]

Yeah. And take us a little bit deeper into that. Right. Because you're a player with ambition. You talked about Brighton and obviously Anderlecht. These are big clubs and you want to continue to grow. And as. At what point in the conversation did they sell you on that dream? Did they say San Diego is a place where one, you can come and thrive, also be a cornerstone of this franchise? But at what point did you say, this is the place I want to be?

[Anders Dreyer]

No. First of all, I also think, like you said with Brighton and Anderlecht, it's big clubs, but you also come to a club with a history, you know, and then San Diego, fce, of course, totally new team, and you can be a part of creating that culture and, like, what people gonna talk about San Diego when they're gonna talk about it. It's so nice to be a part of that and being a part of creating a new club with all my teammates, with the staff and so on. And then, of course, also a big dream for me to go to the mls.

[Tim]

Really?

[Anders Dreyer]

Yeah. And then now was the chance. And with this way of play, it's also important because, like, I knew the way of play from. From Nordscha Land in Denmark, and the way they play, I've always been after the game that would be nice to play like this. And now I'm playing that style of football, and I just enjoyed every training and every game. To play that way of football is just so much fun.

[Landon Donovan]

Yeah.

[Tim]

I'm curious. So in Denmark, there's not that much travel, right? No, not crazy. In Belgium, zero.

[Anders Dreyer]

Yeah.

[Tim]

In Russia, yes. Right. Like, there are some long flights. And so how have you adapted? Clearly, well, because you've played well. Has it been hard to adapt to the weather, the different climates, you know, your altitude? One week, humidity in Houston, the next week you're flying to New York the next week. Has that been difficult? How's that been for you?

[Anders Dreyer]

Yeah, it's tough. It is, because it's long travels and of course, like you said, with the humility and the altitude. And I still remember our game in Denmark against Colorado. I think it's with the altitude, it was. It was tough. It is tough. Also here in Austin, it was also tough, but that's a Part of learning that. And I think it's also our first year as a club, and I think, yeah, we have people who's been in the league and they can tell you how it's going to be, but you don't know it before you tried it. So I think it's just a learning process as well. And to try it. And then this season it's been good, but also for the next season coming up, that we know how it's going to be and you know personally how it's going to be to travel to these places.

[Landon Donovan]

Let's talk about San Diego fc.

[Anders Dreyer]

So.

[Landon Donovan]

So when I think about Landon and all the success that his great LA Galaxy teams had, every year they're going into it as front runners or they should win in their perennial playoff team, but San Diego had nothing. So you go into this preseason and now you're flying. You're. You're near at the top of the West. Are you surprised how quickly this came together? Because in preseason you mentioned, like, there's a way of playing and there's a style, but you bring all these players together, you probably have some good moments. Did you think you could be this far along, this soon?

[Anders Dreyer]

No. I also think we are a little bit surprised about how good it's been so far. Let's be honest about that. But I still think when you have a way of playing, it helps you a lot because there will be injuries throughout a season. And when you have a way of play and the guys who's on the bench and comes in, they know what to do. But yeah, of course, if you told me it would be like this in preseason, I'll maybe be like, okay, let's see. But now it's. We're just enjoying the ride so far, and I think we had a very, very good start of the season with a lot of points, and then, yeah, three games in a row we lost. And I think when you look at that now, I think that was a key moment for us because maybe in the beginning we were like, everything is perfect. But then you hit a rock or whatever you say, and then you drop and you lose three times in a row. And you learn from that. That's not something you really like to. And I think after that we kept that good, consistent level. So I think that period with. With three losses in a row have been very important for us as a club. Totally new club and a team, of course. But it's also like that when you come in and it's a total new club. It's 25 new players getting together. There's also another energy because, you know, when you played in clubs where you go and, you know, you come in. In a dressing room, there will always be a group who want to leave, who want to go, and there's a group, it's okay. And the group, they're. They're controlling it. And, you know, and here it's like everybody's equal.

[Max Arston]

And.

[Anders Dreyer]

Yeah, that's. I think that's been also very important. Our locker room, it's been tough.

[Tim]

I'm sure you. If I ask you, I'm sure your answer is yes. You still have ambition to keep playing for Denmark. You've played five times.

[Anders Dreyer]

Yeah, five times.

[Tim]

Yeah. Are you hearing from them at all? How do they view. You know, how do the coaches. How do people in Denmark view Major League Soccer? I mean, you're having. Your season could not have gone better. For you personally, it could not have gone. So I'm guessing they have to be paying attention. Are you hearing from them? Are you?

[Anders Dreyer]

Yeah, I am. And I think also I was going to the Euros, but without getting any minutes, and I think then I was left out of the. Of the squad. Yeah. And then in the. In the friendlies, in. In June, I went back on the national team after performing over here. So I think, yeah, the way I have been doing over here in the MLS have brought me back maybe to the national team.

[Tim]

Yeah, I guess. Do you. Do they view. Obviously they're viewing you favorably. Are they. Are they. Do they view MLS as well, it's not high enough level for you to be back? And. Or have they said to you, look, if you keep going this way.

[Anders Dreyer]

No, I think that. I know what you think, but in the beginning of the MLS and stuff like that, also years back, maybe they thought, like, MLS is not so good level, but I think they started to realize, maybe, okay, maybe it is a good league. And. And I think that's also important. And I think it's also nice that. That I came back to the national team when I was playing over here, because then people start to know maybe, okay, maybe they gonna start to watch some of the mls. So, yeah, I think it's. Yeah, that's. Nice.

[Landon Donovan]

Question about you personally. How many. How many MLS MVP did you win?

[Tim]

One.

[Landon Donovan]

One. So I want you to join this conversation. So right now, thanks for letting me drop in. Appreciate that you have 11 goals, 15 assists. You're talked about in our circle, in the broader circle as an MVP candidate. And I'm just curious if those numbers even get Remotely higher. You. In that conversation, do you allow yourself, like, do you allow yourself to think that is a motivation for me, or is it just business as usual? Like, is that important?

[Anders Dreyer]

For me, the most important thing is the team. And I think players who play on a team which is successful will be viewed better. Yeah, exactly. And for me, that's. That's the most important thing because I know if. If we're going to win every game 1 0, then it's. It's going to be good at the end of the day.

[Tim]

So.

[Anders Dreyer]

Yeah. And one player can't win the game alone. So I think it's always the team, and it's always been. And then there will always be guys. And now we have three guys as well here, which is showing that we're doing a good job. And it's also the guys that are back home now in San Diego. That's their credit that we're here.

[Landon Donovan]

Sure. I mean, in your MVP season, was there a point where you just knew you were flying? Was that something that you were conscious of?

[Tim]

The irony is, I played every year except three. We made the playoffs, and one of the times, the time I won mvp, we didn't make the playoffs. So I was playing the best I'd ever played. But we didn't make. But to your point, I didn't feel good at the end of the year. It didn't feel good. It was not an enjoyable year. So it was disappointing.

[Landon Donovan]

Interesting.

[Tim]

I just want to follow up real quick on the. We always try to figure out, where do different leagues compare to Major League Soccer? Right. Because it's hard to compare one to the other. Stylistically, they're different. But having played in Denmark, Russia and Belgium, how do you compare the quality of the four leagues?

[Anders Dreyer]

I think that's a good question. I think you have the big five leagues, the top five leagues, and then I think the Portuguese league as well. But I think now I played in Belgium, and I think the level is similar to the Belgian football.

[Tim]

It is.

[Anders Dreyer]

And from top to bottom. Yeah, I think it is. I think the level over here is better than the Danish League, the Russian League as well. But now the Russian League, it's changed a little bit, of course, with what happened. But I think the MLS league is a good level of football, and there are very, very good players in this league that keeps the level high and which is important for the league. But. But no, I put it very high and I put it like next to Belgium, maybe higher. And then you have, of course, the big five leagues.

[Tim]

Wow. All Right. We'll get you out of here on this. So I'm just. I live in San Diego now. You live in a higher, closer to the water part of San Diego than I do. But I'm curious, what do you love most about the city? What. What is. I guess what has drawn you to the city? What do you like about it or what do you not like about it?

[Landon Donovan]

I guess there's nothing to not like about San Diego.

[Anders Dreyer]

No, I. I think like for me, a dream was always, has always been to. To also play in a league country, a place where the weather was good and I love that. 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 that after a tough session that me, my wife and my boy can go to the beach and lay there for a couple of hours or whatever that's something that is. I'm driving home in my car, like doing this if it's a dream, but it isn't. So that's a thing that I really love about sanding.

[Landon Donovan]

We're going to let you get out of here. We know All Star week is hectic and fun and we wish you luck and success. Landon, because he's in San Diego, sees you all the time, loves you. I don't pay for many tickets to watch soccer, but I said you're so exciting that I'm looking forward to buying a ticket and watching you play. So thank you. Thank you very much for coming on our show.

[Tim]

It's been awesome. Awesome to watch you continued success.

[Anders Dreyer]

Thank you.

[Landon Donovan]

Making his first All Star appearance, he played a key role for the US at this summer's Gold cup final run. None other than Max Arston.

[Tim]

All right, Max, thanks for joining us. First of all, you just reminded me you grew up in Fresno. I'm sorry to hear that. That is. You ever been to Fresno?

[Landon Donovan]

Yeah.

[Tim]

No offense, man, but where are you from? Yeah, where are you from? Not the best. Redlands. Different residents.

[Landon Donovan]

Yeah, I'd rather be from Fresno than Redland.

[Tim]

No, you wouldn't. Trust me.

[Max Arston]

I agree with that.

[Tim]

I agree with. All right, so, Max, so for people still getting to know you, tell us a little bit about your story because it's. It's a pretty unique story and we'll dive into it a little more. So you grew up in Fresno. You ended up playing at UC Davis, which is D1. Oh, it's D1. UC Davis. But then you were in the Earthquakes Academy right early. Or you Were potentially with the Earthquakes.

[Max Arston]

Yeah. So it's kind of confusing, but I grew up in Fresno and then I went to Davis for only two years. Just like that was my only offer. I went there, played there for two years and then I got invited to this San Jose Earthquakes MLS next pros. The first season like this little combine with a bunch of college players and from there they wanted to sign me and I kind of took a leap of faith and I decided to do it just because I felt like at Davis there wasn't a lot of exposure for me to hope to get drafted and all that stuff. So I went to San Jose with obviously hopes to sign first team contract there, like anybody would in my situation. And then I played one season there. And then, you know, at the end of that year they just kind of told me I'm not in their plans. They wanted to go a different direction or whatever. But they were like, you can come to preseason in January because they were getting a new coach at that time. So they were like, just come to preseason. The Lucci Gonzalez, you'll see you and go from there. And I was kind of like, I guess like I didn't have any other plans. And then I got a call a week later from my agent that I was still in the MLS draft because I would have. That would have been the year I was going to go to the draft 23. So they put me in the draft because San Jose didn't sign me. And then. Yeah, then I just.

[Tim]

Then I got picked by Americans.

[Max Arston]

Yeah. It's a crazy story, but that's. That is my story.

[Tim]

And then he ends up playing in a golf.

[Landon Donovan]

The people, the San Jose Earthquakes ears are bleeding right now. Thinking like we miss one. But you do. You miss. And that's the issue that we have so often in America. Forget MLS in the American soccer landscape is just so many. So many misses. That's a crazy. But it is. But also I think as, as we watch you progress, that's the fun part of the, of the book and the journey that that's how it started and, and then obviously you flourished and found. Found an incredible spot there. And what's, what's. What's it been like kind of growing through the system and you're a young player and a lot of the young players that we've talked to today thankfully are now such big parts of their, of their MLS club. Like what. What is that. What is it like to. To week in, week out feel like you're so heavily relied upon by your club by Your manager, by your teammates.

[Max Arston]

It's honestly awesome because my first year in Columbus, 23, we had a really good team. We won MLS cup, but I wasn't a big part of it at all, to be honest with you. So I've been on the other side of it, like, dying to be a part of it and wanting to be part of the team's success. So now that I do have the chance, I never take it for granted. You know what I mean? And every game I play, like, no matter what, if it's, you know, midweek, Saturday, midweek, I never have, like, a complaining attitude of, like, having to play a lot of games because I've been on the other side of it. So I think it's. It was the best thing for me. And I have a lot of pride, like. Like you said, being a big part of the team now.

[Landon Donovan]

Yeah.

[Tim]

How do you describe the Gold cup experience, like, from start to finish? Because it. I mean, I think you probably expected you were going to play a decent amount or play some, but you. I mean, you became someone who was relied upon, and it was a. There were some roller coaster games and there were some crazy moments. So how did you. What did you take away from all that?

[Max Arston]

No, I. I think I grew so much mentally. I think that was the biggest thing and the best thing for me. Because like you said, there was a lot of roller coasters. I mean, starting with the friendlies, two results that nobody wanted, bad results. And then, yeah, going into Gold cup, we had to flip the script, and it's not easy. I mean, I know you guys have obviously been there at higher levels too, with the national team, but the vibe of the locker room is so important. And I think after those friendlies, it was a big turning point for us. We just had to decide to kind of put those two friendlies behind us, learn from it. And then individually, for me, like you said, I. Obviously, going into it, I wanted to start and I wanted to play because that's what I wanted. And then there was a roller coaster because there was good moments and there was bad moments. But I think I grew from it so much mentally, like, being able to kind of, like, find myself the courage to, like, break through those bad moments, like, on the field as they happened, and then come out on the other side. So for me, it was like, I just feel like I got mentally stronger, and that just comes with the experience.

[Landon Donovan]

Yeah, the roller coaster means you're young. That's that you only get. Get through it and get better. Learning from those moments. When. When you. You play in these big games, which you. I'm going to speak for, you probably dreamt of playing for your national team like we all had as a youngster. Now that you've had those moments, those big moments, the final against Mexico, we've been in them. We've been on the winning side and the losing side, and it sucks to lose and it's great to win, but, like, how much has that whet your appetite for more of that?

[Max Arston]

Yeah, for sure. I mean, it makes me even hungrier and hungrier once you get that first experience and like that first taste of playing against Mexico, I mean, you guys know, like, growing up, for me, I didn't care what was going on. If USA's playing Mexico, I'm watching, like with my family and I'm hyped. So just to be able to be a part of that, I want to keep going. And I know that my performance is at the club level or wherever I like, wherever I'm playing is what matters most. So I'm just going to try and take control of what I can control. And yeah, obviously I'm hungry for more.

[Tim]

What kind of coach, like, give us insight into Mauricio and like how you compare him to Wilfred because you've now had. I mean, it's quite the story already at your. How old are you? 23?

[Max Arston]

24.

[Tim]

24 to have. Those are two really good coaches. Right. That have done big things. So how do you compare them and how do you describe, I guess, the both of them?

[Max Arston]

Yeah, I would say Wilfred is extremely, extremely detailed and super detailed with the tactics and on point with how he wants us to play. And he's pretty stern with that, like how we want to play, the shape and everything. And yeah, it's just like his phrases are ingrained in my mind just for checking on.

[Tim]

It's a good coach, I swear.

[Max Arston]

Yeah, everything he says and then, yeah, Pochettino, I feel like he's a coach that he wants his players to play to their strengths, you know what I mean? And so he'll put you in positions to where he thinks you will shine. And then for from there he kind of, especially on the attacking side of the ball, like, do what you do, you know what I mean? Like, do what you like to do, play freely. And so in that way, I think they are different and it's good. I'm not. I'm not saying one's right or the other's, you know, wrong, but it's good and I think it. It's good for me, because it gives me two different perspectives. You know, it makes you more well rounded. So it's super cool. And like you said, like, those are two amazing coaches to like have experience with.

[Tim]

Do you view yourself, you've been like, where did you play at Davis? What position? Like, were you.

[Max Arston]

I was a winger.

[Tim]

Yeah. So you, to me, you, you have more winger instincts, right? And I'm curious because now you're a left back. I think you're a left wing back. I've said this, like, I think that is where your true position. Because it's hard to be a left back really, as you learned in some moments, right in the Gold cup, like, that's a tough. So do you view yourself as a left wing back? Do you. How do you view yourself?

[Max Arston]

Yeah, I think I certainly view myself as a left wing back. That's why I play every game with Columbus. You know what I mean? And in the landscape of the national team, I know it's a different system back forward, but for me it's. I still want to play left back because that's where I was playing. And I know like you said, it's different, but I think with anything in your career, like if you play a different system, it's going to take some time to adjust. And I truly believe as the course determine went on, I, I adjusted well, like, yes, there were growing pains for sure. But I think that's like anything in life, you try something new, it's going to take time. So I'm embracing the challenge. I really am. And I'm. Yeah, I just want to keep going.

[Landon Donovan]

You talked about, you talked about the tactical kind of nous from both your club manager and from Poch. And I'm curious, when I watch Columbus, I see your manager, I just, I look at the way you guys play and I go, he, that's his team. That's how he wants to play with Potch. And I'm curious to get your thoughts if you, if you felt this as the tournament went on. I'm watching the games and I'm thinking more like quarterfinal, semifinal. The final was hard because he got pinned back. So it didn't. That's normal against Mexico. But like in the semifinal, quarterfinal, I'm looking at this tactically and I'm thinking that's what Poch wants. I could see, I can see the inverted fullback, I could see the different positions. So that's a great thing. So Pochettino would probably say that's a great thing. I'm getting my message across. Could you guys Feel that unfolding like that. It seemed to be more seamless tactically.

[Max Arston]

Yeah, for sure. I mean, I think just once we got. Because we were together for a long time and once you're together more, playing more, then it just becomes more seamless. Those, those different movements people have on the field and when to go, when to stay, like to press or to not to press. So it takes time, especially like he's a relatively new manager. So for the us so then once it starts to get clicking and you're in a flow like you said when you saw it, it's clean and it's nice. So for sure.

[Landon Donovan]

Great.

[Tim]

All right. Something this is, this has really blown my mind because I don't see this often, maybe if ever. So you're left footed? Yeah, very left footed. But you're so good on your right foot. And I've never, I can't say never, but I can't remember another player I saw that I was like a left footed player. There's a lot of right footed players who are good with their left foot. Where does that come from? Like the goal you scored against Costa Rica is. That's a really hard finish and good finish for someone right footed like me.

[Anders Dreyer]

Right.

[Tim]

And you're a left footed player. So where did that come from? How did you develop that? Because I think it's good for young kids to learn that.

[Max Arston]

Yeah. Honestly, for me, I always just when I started playing, I love dribbling with my left foot. Like that was always what I did. And then so I was from there naturally left footed. But for me, like, I swear like my dad or someone just always told me to practice shooting with my right and like just make sure your right foot is as good as your left. And like my dad didn't even like play soccer really at a high level.

[Landon Donovan]

Hope you gave him credit.

[Max Arston]

Yeah, but like, I swear like, I just for some reason like at a young age, I was always like, I need to be as good with my right as I am with my left. Like, and then I never really thought about it after that. You know what I mean? Like, it just was always how I tried to be. So yeah, that was basically the same.

[Tim]

Have you come across guys like, I can't think of another left footed player. I'm trying to like rack my brain.

[Max Arston]

Normally lefties are really lefty.

[Tim]

Really lefty, very lefty. And it's one thing to like in a moment have to clear a ball 40 yards with your right footer, but like to get in that position and the ball's Coming and to just roll it into the far post calmly. You look like you were right footed in that moment. I thought that was really interesting.

[Max Arston]

Well, because the way the weight of the pass was. It made more sense for me to open up my hips. You know what I mean?

[Tim]

Correct.

[Max Arston]

With my right foot. But yeah, I don't know, I feel like, like you said, people. Most people that are like two footed are mainly right footed for whatever reason.

[Tim]

Correct.

[Max Arston]

So it's. Yeah, I can't really think. Right.

[Tim]

All right, well, if you figure it out.

[Max Arston]

Yeah, I got you.

[Tim]

It's a good thing to have a couple more and then we'll let you get out of here. I know you're tired. You've had a long day, so thank you. So you've been part now of hell is real in U. S. Mexico. It's not apples to apples, but do they feel the same? How do you compare them? What's. You know, what was the vibe?

[Max Arston]

To me, nothing compares to USA Mexico like that. That ranks at the top in terms of intensity and the pressure of the game and just what it means. You know what I mean? Because like we're talking like the pride of a country is what you're playing for. You know what I mean? So I would say that one hell is real is also, I think, very good rivalry though, in mls. Like, I think Columbus and Cincy have like one of the best fan bases in mls. I really believe that. But for me, yeah, USA, Mexico, nothing compare.

[Landon Donovan]

You seem to have such an. You talked about watching the games when you were growing up. You have such a keen sense of the rivalry. I'm excited for you to play in Azteca for the US it's one of the most incredible. It's one of the most incredible, dude. Well, yeah, but it's fun. It's incredible. Just the history of that rivalry to play there. It's special. Listen, we appreciate you coming on our show. I know our listeners are excited. They are so hungry for the U.S. men's National Team. Brilliant summer and continued success.

[Tim]

And I would just say to you, you don't. You don't control what happens next. Right. We're not here to be your parent or your mentor, but if you don't get called in next time, what you do with Columbus matters a lot now and then. You playing well, just keeps putting pressure on the coach to bring you. Now you have a body of work that you can say, look, I had six great games in a row, so it's been fun to watch you grow, man. And we wish you the best.

[Max Arston]

No, I appreciate you guys a lot. Seriously.

[Tim]

Thank you, Max. Thank you.

[Max Arston]

Thank you, guys.