Max Arfsten sends a message to some USMNT fans

If there is one thing those hard-core fans of the United States Men’s National Team don’t like it is MLS players who have the audacity to put on the red, white, and blue kit. They howl at every mistake (or perceived mistake) made by these interlopers from what they see as a far, far, far inferior league. I’m sure some are losing sleep fretting over an MLS player being included on the 2026 World Cup roster. Even after a 2-0 win over Japan on Tuesday night, some probably left Lower.com Field nearly in tears after the Crew’s Max Arfsten sent them a message: I’m making a strong case for a spot on the team.

Loud and Clear

After he had a goal and three assists in five games in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, many still did not see Arfsten as a serious contender for a World Cup roster spot. But when he used his all-too-familiar-to-Crew-fans step over move that left Japanese defender Henry Mochizuki flatfooted and lofted a beautiful cross that Alejandro Zendejas volleyed into the net to give the US a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute, the message was received loud and clear. USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to go to a 3-4-2-1 gave Arfsten a chance to play pushed higher up the field in his familiar wingback role. If Pochettino stays with this alignment, those hard-core fans are going to be losing even more sleep because Arfsten will have a much better chance of sticking with the team into the World Cup.

Role Playing

The biggest complaint about Arfsten is his defending. I don’t have a problem with that complaint, but I don’t think anyone really believes he’s going to be a starter when Pochettino makes his final choices. He can be used as a second-half sub to give the team an offensive spark. Five points in seven games tells you he is capable of that type of role-his defensive deficiencies won’t be much of an issue in limited minutes

Much to the chagrin of the USMNT snobs, I fully expect Arfsten to get a callup for the October window when they take on Ecuador and Australia.