Many of MLS’ rising talents were able to earn valuable experience with the U.S. men’s national team in Mauricio Pochettino’s first year as head coach. 

From Max Arfsten to Matt Freese to Diego Luna, the list was longer than most would’ve expected at the start of the year. Alex Freeman may have taken the biggest jump in 2025 and his abilities were certainly on display Tuesday night in Tampa.

Freeman scored his first two international goals in a 5-1 romp over CONMEBOL opponents Uruguay. The Orlando City right back, who saw his contract option exercised earlier this week, delivered a stellar 90-minute performance. 

Freeman, the son of longtime NFL standout Antonio, rose high to double the USMNT’s lead after 20 minutes. He extended the USMNT’s lead to 3-0 later in the half, showing off his speed, awareness, and finishing ability to deliver a sublime shot from point-blank range. 

The youngest player in Pochettino’s starting lineup on Tuesday walked away with Man of the Match honors, capping off what has been a memorable year for club and country. 

Freeman has put his name in the mix to be among the defenders chosen for next summer’s FIFA World Cup. The 21-year-old’s impactful two-way abilities led to him totaling 51 appearances this year in all competitions between the USMNT and Orlando City.

Pochettino praised Freeman’s impact in the starting lineup on Tuesday, but also admitted that his growth is also credit to the coaching staff’s willingness to allow young players an early opportunity to grow.

“This is our job, it’s our duty, to see the projection of the player. For that, we need to give the chance and see how they perform, how they act, the character, the mentality,” Pochettino said about Freeman’s growth in 2025 with the USMNT.

“So happy, so happy, because today he scored twice,” Pochettino added. “I think you need to analyze the way that he plays. He can play like a third center back, he can go forward, on the side, going inside. When he has the ball, the team is like relief.”

Freeman certainly went down as a major winner from the November window and now enters his MLS offseason following the Lions playoff exit earlier this fall. He will aim to part of the USMNT mix once again when Pochettino’s squad reconvenes next March.