Podcast Summary: Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard Episode: Diego Luna on keeping out the noise and Alex Freeman’s next step
Release Date: August 5, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Unfiltered Soccer, hosts Landon Donovan and Tim Howard delve into insightful conversations with two rising stars of U.S. Men’s Soccer: Diego Luna and Alex Freeman. Both players have recently made significant impacts on the field, with Luna earning his second consecutive MLS All-Star appearance and Freeman breaking into the international scene through his performances in the Gold Cup.

Interview with Diego Luna

Dealing with Fame and Staying Grounded

Diego Luna opens the discussion by addressing the sudden increase in his fame following his impressive Gold Cup performance. At 21 years old, Luna reflects on maintaining humility amidst growing recognition.

Diego Luna [01:05]:
"It's just something cool to now, you know, be able to provide for the family that has given me everything now. So I think it's just something that keeps me calm."

He attributes his grounded nature to his upbringing and personal resilience, mentioning therapy as a tool to stay centered.

Team Dynamics During the Gold Cup

Tim Howard probes into the team’s unity amidst external distractions, emphasizing the group’s focus on each other rather than outside noise.

Tim Howard [02:08]:
"We get a lot of noise from us, from everybody across the soccer landscape, which, by the way, is a good thing. About this current national team and players that weren't there."

Luna highlights the collective mentality that prioritized team cohesion over external opinions, which he believes was instrumental in their successful Gold Cup run.

Final Match Performance and Lessons Learned

Discussing the Gold Cup final, Luna candidly analyzes his own performance and the team’s challenges, recognizing areas for improvement.

Diego Luna [03:54]:
"This is an awesome time for growing and an awesome thing to learn from at a young age for me and hopefully to come back to more finals."

He acknowledges struggling to find the game in the final and outlines tactical adjustments he would make, such as being more aggressive in pressing and maintaining better possession.

Playing Style and Improvements

Luna elaborates on his evolution as a player, emphasizing the importance of contributing both offensively and defensively.

Diego Luna [08:22]:
"Pablo Mastroni really put that into my brain that, you know, this is a game, and nowadays it's both sides of the ball."

Under the guidance of his coach, Luna has developed a more versatile playing style, enhancing his match fitness and earning greater trust from his teammates.

Communication with Manager Mauricio Pochettino

When asked about his interactions with manager Mauricio Pochettino, Luna mentions a need for further dialogue to align his club and national team aspirations.

Diego Luna [10:16]:
"I haven't been able to chat with him after the tournament. Hopefully, I can get a call soon and kind of chat about it."

Future Aspirations and Mindset Towards Europe

Luna shares his ambition to play in Europe, viewing it as a natural progression in his career while maintaining a strong commitment to his current club, RSL.

Diego Luna [11:08]:
"I'm ready for the next step to challenge myself, wherever that is. If that's staying at RSL, I'm 100% in."

He balances his aspirations with a pragmatic approach, recognizing the factors that influence such a move.

Competition Within the National Team and Future Camps

Addressing the competitive environment within the national team, Luna underscores the importance of earning his spot through consistent performance.

Diego Luna [12:46]:
"A top level team is when we got guys that are coming back into camp and you can say that they did well, they think they have a spot."

He views the competition as a positive force driving the team towards excellence.

Transition to Alex Freeman

Following Luna’s insightful dialogue, the hosts introduce Alex Freeman, a breakout star from Orlando City and a key player in the Gold Cup. Freeman discusses his transition from Orlando City B to the first team and his experiences on the international stage.

Interview with Alex Freeman

Game Performance and Improvements

Freeman reflects on his defensive role during the Gold Cup, acknowledging areas for growth in possession and one-on-one situations.

Alex Freeman [15:40]:
"I feel like in the game I was playing a more defensive role and I feel like that was something I needed to work on in my game."

He emphasizes the lessons learned from high-level competition and his determination to enhance his defensive capabilities.

Defensive Role and Team’s Tactical Instructions

Addressing his evolving playing style, Freeman credits his coach, Pablo Mastroni, for instilling the importance of contributing both offensively and defensively.

Alex Freeman [08:22]:
"Pablo Mastroni really put that into my brain that, you know, this is a game, and nowadays it's both sides of the ball."

This dual contribution has not only improved his fitness but also strengthened his position within the team.

Handling Increased Responsibility and Pressure

Freeman discusses the challenges of transitioning to a regular starting role with Orlando City and balancing club commitments with national team aspirations.

Alex Freeman [17:37]:
"It's very different, you know, and I feel like at the beginning, it's just pressure, you know, I'm getting a chance. I have to make the best of it."

His proactive approach emphasizes continuous improvement and dedication to both his club and country.

Family Influence and Conversations with Father

Freeman shares heartfelt moments with his father, a former Super Bowl winner, highlighting the supportive and motivational conversations that shape his mindset.

Alex Freeman [24:44]:
"He's been expressing how proud he was of me... trying to make me feel like it was not my first tournament."

These interactions provide emotional support and reinforce his determination to excel on the field.

Future Aspirations Towards Europe and Current Focus

While Freeman aspires to play in Europe, he remains committed to his current role at Orlando City, aiming to contribute to the team’s success.

Alex Freeman [21:13]:
"My end goal is Europe... but right now, in Orlando, I'm happy. I'm playing 90 minutes and I'm playing in a style that I'm really comfortable in."

He balances ambition with gratitude, valuing his current opportunities while eyeing future challenges.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

Freeman acknowledges the leadership within the national team, recognizing figures like Chris Richards and Tyler Adams as key influencers who foster a supportive and competitive environment.

Alex Freeman [19:38]:
"Chris Richards... telling me to keep pushing... Tyler Adams was like, 'I've seen you, I'm excited to see what you have.'"

These relationships enhance team cohesion and individual growth.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt commendations from Landon Donovan and Tim Howard to both Diego Luna and Alex Freeman. They emphasize the importance of continued hard work, dedication, and maintaining humility as these young stars navigate their promising careers. The hosts express their excitement for the future endeavors of Luna and Freeman, highlighting their significant contributions to U.S. Men’s Soccer and the inspiring paths ahead.

Notable Quotes:

• Diego Luna [01:05]:
  "It's just something cool to now, you know, be able to provide for the family that has given me everything now."

• Tim Howard [02:08]:
  "We get a lot of noise from us, from everybody across the soccer landscape, which, by the way, is a good thing."

• Diego Luna [03:54]:
  "This is an awesome time for growing and an awesome thing to learn from at a young age for me and hopefully to come back to more finals."

• Alex Freeman [15:40]:
  "I feel like in the game I was playing a more defensive role and I feel like that was something I needed to work on in my game."

• Alex Freeman [17:37]:
  "It's very different, you know, and I feel like at the beginning, it's just pressure, you know, I'm getting a chance. I have to make the best of it."

• Alex Freeman [24:44]:
  "He's been expressing how proud he was of me... trying to make me feel like it was not my first tournament."

This episode offers a deep dive into the minds of two talented players, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of their journeys, challenges, and aspirations within the world of soccer.