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Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard
Sebastian Berhalter’s Biggest Learning Experience of the Gold Cup
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- [00:00]
Sebastian Barholter
Foreign.
- [00:07]
Tim Howard
Soccer here in Austin, Texas, for the 2025 MLS All Star Media day. We have a real good one here. One of the breakout stars of this MLS season, making his first All Star appearance on the back of his first Gold cup for the US Men's national team. He was also named to the CONCACAF champions cup, best 11. And he's been a key figure to Vancouver's RA rise in the West. Sebastian Barholter.
- [00:28]
Michael Bradley
All right, Sebastian, we were just saying I remember you before. You remember being around us. Little. Little guy running around, pretty incredible to see what you've done, and in particular this summer, it's been really fun to watch. So I'm curious now. You've made a name for yourself at the club level, but now you, this summer, you made a name for yourself at the international level. So what did you learn this summer? You have the, probably the privilege and also the disadvantage of growing up with a dad who played and been around as a coach. What'd you learn from the summer? What was. What was that experience like? Was it what you expected?
- [01:04]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah, I think, you know, I came in with open expectations. You know, there's not really something I was like, it's gonna be like this or it's gonna be like that. I, you know, being around it for so long, like, I spent so many hours just thinking about, you know, being in those players shoes, you know, watching them see so much, especially over the last six years, it's like probably the biggest I've watched every single game the last six years. You know what I mean? So it was amazing. And I didn't realize how much it would mean to me, too. I think there were some moments when I was just like, I was really a kid wearing the same jersey and again, kicking the ball around in the family rooms and sitting there with a jersey on. I don't want to take it off. It was a really cool feeling.
- [01:45]
Tim Howard
That's awesome.
- [01:45]
Michael Bradley
That's awesome.
- [01:46]
Tim Howard
When I think about Michael Bradley, who we played with, and how difficult it was for him to be a young player playing for his dad. His dad, obviously was such a huge name and such a successful manager, and the way that Mikey navigated that, right, he was tough as nails. He also loved the fact that he got to play for his dad, even though you didn't get to play for your dad on a national team level. But I often wonder what that's like for you. You probably lean on him. I know you guys have a great relationship. How much of it is I'm trying to distance myself from being the coach's kid. But also leaning into that. It's probably a weird juxtaposition for you.
- [02:20]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah. I think first, like, you know, for me, he's like a. Like a best friend, you know, I think, you know, it's not a super serious relationship, you know, I think we, you know, shoot the shit all. I don't know if I can curse on you.
- [02:30]
Tim Howard
Yeah, you can. Unfiltered.
- [02:32]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah. You know, like, it's just like, he's my friend, you know, and then obviously he's my dad, you know, and he always. I'm so lucky that, you know, the advice he can give me, you know, being in. He's done everything, you know, pretty much as a player and as a coach, and. Yeah, for me, it's only an advantage, in my opinion, I think, you know, obviously, you know, the pressure is whatever, you know, for me, I'm just playing soccer, you know, I don't feel that. And, you know, people want to say I feel it, but I don't. You know, it's. For me, I'm just a kid playing soccer and, you know, having. He's my dad and my mom's my mom, and my sisters are my sisters, you know, And I think it's just like everyone else. And that's kind of how, you know, I keep it.
- [03:07]
Tim Howard
I get it. I mean, your dad was a brilliant teammate. I mean, he kicked the lumps out of people in training. He was tough as nails. Him and Bruce. Bruce and them going back and forth with each other. I mean, some fond memories.
- [03:17]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah.
- [03:17]
Michael Bradley
I've never told you this story, and I don't know. I don't even if I share this with you, but when I used to go into my first camps and your dad was there, I swear to God, Sebastian, the first time as a striker, I would check in for the ball. I don't know if it was me or if just everyone in general. Probably everyone in general, but he would come through the back of me and just smash me every time. I mean, I'm not kidding. And if he was seven yards away, he'd still go and just finish the play, right? And I was like, I hate this. You know, Like, I couldn't stand it. And I couldn't help but watch through that lens this summer and watching. And you're not the same type of player, right? In different positions, whatever. But there were so many combative moments, right, in different games where you were the first guy in there. And to the point where we're like, settle down. Like, don't get Sent off. Don't do something stupid. But you were in there supporting your teammates and you were nasty and you were challenging, and you could tell it meant more to you. Is that directly correlated to your dad? Is that just innate in you? Is that things you watched or talked about? Where does that come from? Because I loved seeing it and we wanted to see it. We want to see that, you know, Malik Tillman guy gets in his face and you're there. Yeah, right. And so what is. Where's that from?
- [04:28]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah, I think definitely, you know, from my family, you know, from my parents, my dad. And then when you're playing for your country, like. Like, I don't know, it was like every track back, it's like it wasn't even, like it was a question that I had to get back, you know, or like, defending a guy. Like, it wasn't even like a thought, you know, it was just like I was. I was there, you know, all of a sudden, like, I don't even know what I'm doing. I'm there, you know, and that's what I feel like it means to represent your country. You know, it's like, you know, when you. When you go to war, you don't even think, you know, you're doing whatever you can to protect your country. And that's kind of how it felt for me. Like, I was just. If something happened, I was going to be there and try to protect my guys. And, you know, someone's messing with me, you know, I wasn't going to let that happen, you know, so that's a little bit of both, probably, if that's.
- [05:07]
Michael Bradley
At 100% for the national team. Do you feel that same way with your club team? Do you? Because it, obviously, it means more in some. It doesn't mean you play less hard or you don't try as hard, but it does mean more for your national team. So what percentage of that, I guess, is just attributed to putting on the national team jersey or that. That's.
- [05:24]
Sebastian Barholter
That's you, you know, I think it is me. You know, I think that's kind of the person and player like, that I like to be. And I like to be, you know, nasty. And if I have to be nasty, you know, and I put in the duels, you know, I love doing that. But again, there is that factor of playing for your national team that you can't really. I mean, I'm sure you guys know, like, that feeling is different. Yeah. You can't describe it, you know, and, you know, as much as you want to try to replicate it when you come back, it's, you know, it's hard and, you know, it only going there only, you know, for me is going to raise my level of the club team, you know, because then in my head I'm like, you know, this is the standard every time I step on the field now. So I think that was a big thing to take away from.
- [06:02]
Michael Bradley
That's great.
- [06:03]
Tim Howard
Well, yeah, I mean, I think about, and it's a singular moment, but they stand out. I think about Tillman's penalty miss, and you were immediately in there and you had your brothers back, your teammates back. And I think what I give you the most credit for is as a good footballing ball, dominant midfielder, you also are happy to do the other side of the game. You also know that the dirty work has to be done. And when I watched this Gold cup team, when we watched the Gold cup team, you could see that brotherhood growing throughout the tournament. The results were good. And that was a. You checked that box. But one of the things we were looking for is like, where is that nastiness, togetherness, toughness? And it was there. Could you feel that amongst the group? Like before games in training, could you feel that kind of growing, that togetherness?
- [06:48]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah, definitely. You know, being a new guy, I didn't really know how it was all gonna shake out. And, you know, going in, I was like, you know, is everyone gonna be standoffish? Is it gonna be certain groups? But to be honest, by the end of it, it was like everyone was a big family, you know, and everyone wanted to fight for each other. And that's something that Mauricio installs in us, honestly. Like, he' you know, showing us the clips of. Of guys getting stuck in, you know, showing us clips of, you know, guys having each other's backs. Like, that's something that he really emphasizes and, you know, from his culture, you know, that's. That's like it's expected. You know what I mean? So that's something that he's. He's installing in us. And I think, I think you could see it, you know, I think by the end of the tournament, you know, guys had each other's back. And it's fun when you play it that, you know, it's fun when, you know this guy has your back, this guy's your back. And yeah, and you're just going out there and doing the best you can.
- [07:32]
Michael Bradley
I would always say walking out of the tunnel if. And I'm not saying it because he's here, but, like, If I looked back and he was there, I was like, okay, one, we have the best goalkeeper we can have. But two, like, he had my back and I knew that. That's. That's an amazing feeling. Can we dig in a little bit to like, your set pieces? Right, because that's become. It's such a valuable piece of the game. And if you can, I always say, like, as. As a coach, you want guys who have star qualities, right? Because there's a lot of guys who can do all the same things. But you need, you need a star quality. You need something special. And, you know, you be. You became that guy in the Gold cup. Something you've always worked on, something you focused on, I would guess.
- [08:10]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah. I think growing up, like, you know, my dad, I kind of, like, I didn't, like, I kind of like half thought it was important, you know, and then my dad's like, you know, this is, you know, this is something you can be good at. Like, you know, try taking this, you know, obviously I take everything seriously, but he's like, you should really try to work at this. And then, you know, I think in Vancouver, it was a big emphasis, you know, they brought in, you know, a guy from Trackman and, you know, obviously was using different technology and, you know, that was something that they brought to me saying, you know, you should be the best set piece take in the mls and. Yeah, and that was from beginning of this year. And, you know, that's something that I take pride in them. You know, for me, it's fun, like anytime I get especially like an in swing free kick, like that's fun for me, you know, looking at their line, seeing where I can put the ball. And that's something that I take pride in. And it's, you know, the practice and, you know, hopefully it turns out well in the games.
- [08:58]
Michael Bradley
I want to dig into that just real quick because I had written down, I was watching. So when I was over those set pieces, I was looking for a spot. Yeah, right. I wasn't looking for a player. I was looking for a spot to hit the ball. And unless it was like, if Gooch was on the field, right. Or somebody massive. Or in this case, with Chris Richards. Right, so. Or Zomar Gonzalez in la, and we're just going to hit like a little driven ball to the back post that he was going to head back across. So are you hitting a spot? Are you looking for Chris in particular? What's your mindset there?
- [09:29]
Sebastian Barholter
So it depends. So for an in swinging free kick, I. If it's a high line. I'll look at the goalie. So I know if I, if I start at the goalie, I know the ball is going to come back.
- [09:38]
Michael Bradley
And you made an outswing.
- [09:40]
Sebastian Barholter
Sorry. On outswing. Sorry. I start at the goalie and then it will come back. It depends on how high their line is. Depends how hard I hit it. You know, if their line's a little bit low, lower, then I'll hit it harder. They're a little bit higher. I'll hit it, you know, just a little softer. But my always, my aim is at the goalie because then I know, you know, kind of just draw it back in.
- [09:57]
Michael Bradley
That's interesting.
- [09:58]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah. And then for the, you know, the, the inswing, the wide free kicks, it's almost like I go over their shoulder. So honestly, I prefer the, the outswinging one, but the in swinging one, it's. It's looking at their shoulders and kind of just dropping in behind. Yeah. And, and again, like, it gets me excited talking about it. Like, I just, I love.
- [10:19]
Tim Howard
The Burhalter to Richards almost became like a, like a hashtag. But I'm curious because you said going into camp, you're the new guy. How the hell does a new guy get to stand over the ball and take free kicks? Because there's a hierarchy to this. Right. So is there, was it an arrogance for you to say, like, I'm good, let me do this, or is it the coaching staff saying, like, Sebastian, you and a couple others take these set pieces and it's so good in training that you end up getting the rub of the green?
- [10:44]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah, honestly, I think that's exactly what it was. I think it was, you know, certain guys getting picked to, you know, just take them and practice them. And then from there, you know, they made their decision. Yeah, they put trust in me, honestly, because my first time, you know, being with the national team and being on set pieces, you know, I take pride in that. And, you know, I didn't want to let them down and I wanted to prove that, you know, I could, you know, this could be an asset for the team. And. Yeah, I think that's what it was. And from there, I think from the first couple games and from trainings, they were like, you know, you need to be taking these. And I was doing it.
- [11:13]
Michael Bradley
Walk us through the penalty. Yeah, the penalty miss. And then, you know, that it became a big thing with your parents on the screen and your sisters and all that. Just from your standpoint, are you. You're aware they're at the game. Yeah, obviously. What was. You're not thinking about them in the penalty, right? So walk us through the penalty. What your. What your emotions were after and then how you grow from that and what. What that whole experience was like.
- [11:35]
Sebastian Barholter
We're curious from your standpoint, that that could have been the. The. One of the biggest learning experiences of the whole tournament. You know, the classic. I'm gonna go down the middle, and then as soon as you get up there, you're kind of like, I should go across my body. It was a little earlier than we're gonna. You were gonna go down? Yeah, I mean, I trained going down the middle countless times. And then, you know, I. Obviously, Tyler Adams takes a different pk, but the way he waited so long on Tyler, I was like, if I hit a perfect penalty down the middle and he stays, he's gonna save it 100 times out of 100, you know, so then I'm seeing that. I'm like, all right, maybe I do go across my body. And that indecision, you know, that's. That's. That's the biggest learning moment, you know, that's where it's like, okay, you practice one thing the whole week, Just stick with that. You know, there's no reason to switch it up. And, you know, I'm thankful that we have Matt Freese and that, you know, that it's actually, we won and, you know, it doesn't have to be, you know, the worst thing in the world, but, yeah, again, I think that's something. I just looked at my dad after the game. He just started laughing like, dude, what are you doing there?
- [12:30]
Tim Howard
It was such a symbolic moment again, because I know your family and the camera pan to them, and I just. I just remember thinking, like, that's life. That's the real part of it, you know, and when you get to see. Watch you play and, you know, the family, that's. There's the highs and lows. And the funny part about your indecision, really funny. So we both played for David Moyes at Everton, and David Moyes was such a stickler for, like, everything. We would go into mostly cup competitions. So if there was a. If we were going to go into a FA cup game on the weekend and it could go to penalties, we would practice penalties all week. And he literally would stand there and say, bainsey, which side are you going to go to? And we're going to play at Wembley. And he'd say, I'm going left. And he would make you tell him so that when we Got to Wembley.
- [13:17]
Michael Bradley
You did it.
- [13:17]
Tim Howard
How dare you go right. If you went right, he'd kill you, you know, so. But he was such a stickler for that because of those moments. He believed in getting there. And listen, you're a player. You make your own decisions. But I vividly remember that because those moments are so crucial.
- [13:31]
Michael Bradley
That's interesting. And you're so. Your family. Like, I'm trying to imagine what it would be like to watch your kid take a penalty. Just in general. I mean, I'm losing it just watching it. And missing. And your poor sisters and your mom and so how do they process that? I'm curious as. Because, you know, maybe one of us will be there one day. His daughter plays at Tennessee and, like, who knows, right?
- [13:54]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah, I mean, I think they could probably give more insight. I think they're freaking out. My sister looked like she was about to cry. You know, after I sent a picture in the family group chat, I was like, dude, how you guys stressing, huh? Geez. I was like, I'm sorry, guys, honestly. But, yeah, no, again, like, you know, it is. It is kind of funny, but at the same time, it's like, you know, I have to learn from that. And that was a big moment. And, you know, obviously it didn't come out the way, you know, I wanted to come out, but, you know, that's something that. I'm gonna have more penalties in my career, you know, I know that. And next time, you know, I gotta be ready.
- [14:23]
Tim Howard
Yeah. So. So let's talk about Vancouver. I had to, I would say good fortune, because you're, You're, You're a talented player. But I was in Houston on Wednesday and you guys, you guys tore us apart. I mean, you guys are cooking in every way. You're playing so well. And he's going to bring it up.
- [14:40]
Michael Bradley
Did you predict that?
- [14:41]
Tim Howard
I did not predict. I didn't pick you guys to do very well, which is fine.
- [14:47]
Sebastian Barholter
A lot of people did.
- [14:48]
Tim Howard
I'd be wrong. But what's the. Given that the expectation was so low from the outside, what's it been like up in Vancouver? Brilliant football city, Brilliant city as a whole. What's that? I mean, you guys have taken the league by storm. What's that been like this year for you?
- [15:02]
Sebastian Barholter
It's been great. Honestly. The biggest thing is you just seen the city, like, kind of revolve, like the team becomes something in the city, you know, when you're winning games and when you're doing well, especially after Miami, like, it was incredible how many more People, you know, started saying something in the street or there's great job and you know, we don't have that a lot in Vancouver, you know, and my first three years, like there wasn't a lot of that, you know, just to see the city, like really care about the team is. Was pretty special. And that's, you know, someone being on the team for three years and then seeing that happen is like that's what you play for, you know, like that's what, you know, you have more kids saying stuff, you know, more little guys wanting to be like you, you know, and that's, you know, that's all you can ask for. Just trying to inspire, you know, the next generation.
- [15:39]
Tim Howard
Sure.
- [15:39]
Michael Bradley
Yeah. So I'm, I'm in the process of writing a book, which is a terrible process. Don't ever do it. But anyway, the people, the publishing people are in Vancouver, so I went up there to do. I did a photo shoot and some stuff up there and it was really fascinating to hear them. They were not soccer people talk about the Whitecaps and how excited. And it was the same week the Inter Miami was coming up for Champions cup too. And it was really interesting to see how you guys have taken the city and made it, made it a Vancouver White Cap City. And it was a little bit early on when Jay was there, Demerit was there and whatever, but it kind of waned and it's been fun to watch and that's a big part of what you guys have done. And my guess is now you guys expect that you should be. And finish near the top and then I'm guessing you feel like you can win it.
- [16:24]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah, no, that's since day one. That was expectation, you know, even having a new coach. Just a group we have, we've been together for, you know, three to four years and it was, you know, trophies. That's. That's what you've been saying since the beginning. And you know, Jasper came in and gave us a different element dynamic. You know, it kind of gave us that little, that little extra, you know, and kind of got us all in one direction and, you know, credit to him. He's been amazing. You know, the way he interacts with players and even just the tactic part of it, like he's, he's great. Yeah, we want to, we want to. You know, we haven't done anything yet. You know, we've been first. We've been now, you know, now we're second. But we've accomplished nothing, honestly. And our goal is to be the winners, man, of the year.
- [17:02]
Michael Bradley
Yeah.
- [17:03]
Tim Howard
So. So you've talked about coming breaking onto the national team scene. It's something you've dreamt about. Where. Where is that now? You must be so hungry for more successful, more caps, more time on the team, to be integrated with the entire group. And certainly you must have the World cup on your horizon.
- [17:23]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah. To be honest, you know, even get to the national team, it was taking it one day at a time. You know, it was never like, you know, if anyone told you at the beginning of the year that'd be on the national team, they'd probably think you're crazy. You know, like, for me, it's just been one day at a time, and, you know, everything happens for a reason. So I've just been, you know, trying to work hard. And for me, that applies to the World Cup. You know, if. I think you kind of get. If you get caught up in that. You know, for me, personally, just that I don't. I don't function that great that way. You know, I've had experience in the past where I'm like, I need to be on this team. I need to, you know, achieve this, that. And for me, that doesn't work. And I learned from that. And now it's about, you know, just again, taking it one game, one day at a time, and just trying to be the best player I can in that moment. Best person.
- [18:00]
Michael Bradley
Sebastian. Last couple things, then we'll let you go. No, you've had a long day last summer. You have aspirations to play elsewhere, to go to Europe, to do you. I mean, you've been around it your whole life, right?
- [18:11]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah.
- [18:11]
Michael Bradley
Traveling with your dad, so.
- [18:12]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah, I think, you know, growing up in, like, half my life in Europe, I think, you know, it kind of gives you that. But also, you know, I'm, you know, very focused on what's going on here, you know, and we have a great team and a great chance to win a trophy, and, you know, you want it. For me, I just want to be the best player and, you know, test myself as much as I can. You know, wherever it is, it's trying to become the best that I can be. And, yeah, right now it's in Vancouver, so that's. That's what I'm focused on doing.
- [18:36]
Tim Howard
Very well said. So we talked about your family name. It's synonymous in US Soccer. I'm curious. White caps play the fire. Where's the family at? Like, who's mom rooting for?
- [18:51]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah, so it happened this year, and unfortunately, they. They beat us three. One. My mom stayed with me with the. For the two days before the game. And I'm just. I'm talking to her. I'm like, there's no way you're not cheering for us right now. You're staying with me. Like, my dad's not even here yet. And, you know, she might have been the only one swayed, but even my sister is like, you know, we got to go home, and we live with that, you know, so it's like, yeah, that's kind of understandable.
- [19:14]
Michael Bradley
You don't want him miserable.
- [19:15]
Sebastian Barholter
Yeah, no, that's. But no, I think they, you know, just having that opportunity, I think is the best, coolest thing. And my grandparents were there, and that was really special.
- [19:24]
Michael Bradley
It's just hard to imagine on the other sideline.
- [19:28]
Sebastian Barholter
No, there was a moment, actually, when I. Before the game, you know, I. I was like. I was. We were talking about, like, you know, should we, like, see each other? Like, you know, whatever. And I was like, yeah, after I, you know, after we shake hands, like, I'll just come as high before the game. And, you know, I came over to him, and he just, you know, I gave him a hug, and he's like, you know, I'm proud of you. And. And from there, like, everything that I, like, felt. Yeah, just, like, kind of went away, and I was just like, it's my dad, you know, and now I just, you know, go and enjoy the game. It's not. Don't make it more than it is and enjoy the game.
- [19:55]
Michael Bradley
Awesome. Well, your dad's done an awesome job with you. Your mom, too. So congratulations, man. Awesome to watch you this summer. We hope this continues. If it doesn't. I said this, I think, to Max earlier, too. If you don't get called in the next camp, doesn't mean you're out of it. Right. Like, you've. You've put together a body of work now that you can be proud of and that Mauricio now trusts. Right? And so you just keep going, man. And we hope to see you on a World cup roster, too.
- [20:21]
Tim Howard
I mean, there's no doubt you'll be in. You've done great. So much success, good health. Can't wait to see you.
- [20:26]
Sebastian Barholter
Thank you, Tim. I appreciate you. Thank you. Thank you.