With club football on pause, the first international break of the season has begun, and players are setting aside their club rivalries to unite under one flag, don the same jerseys, and represent their country with pride.
One team that has evolved significantly over the years is the US Men’s National Team (USMNT).
Under Gregg Berhalter, the national side underwent a transformation following their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. That disappointment acted like a forest fire, clearing away the old to make room for fresh, new growth.
Berhalter’s inspiring words still resonate with USMNT fans: “We’re not going to have the most talent in the World Cup, our advantage is our brotherhood.”
The squad that traveled to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup reflected this change—a team full of youthful energy and promise, albeit lacking experience.
Now the USMNT reunites to face Canada in Kansas City, as the first of their two games during this international break.
But before they get to business on the pitch, players from the squad are bonding and having fun by spending time away from the football pitch.
Midfielder Aidan Morris was seen along with Captain America- Christian Pulisic and defender Kristoffer Lund at the Oakwood Country Club for a little golfing trip.
Pulisic, Aaronson, Turner, Joe Scally and a few others were also at Arrowhead Stadium to watch the opening game of the NFL 2024/25 season between Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.
The lads all sat together, were having fun during the game, and a clip from the game shows Christian Pulisic trying to lob some popcorn to Joe Scally who tries to catch it in his mouth.
Pulisic, who is known as the Lebron James of Soccer, showed terrible aim, missing Scally’s mouth multiple times. Fans were quick to make sure Pulisic knew that he wasn’t actually Lebron James, owing to his poor accuracy.
It’s clear to see that this new look USMNT side, with Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams as its core, share a good relationship with each other and aren’t just teammates, but brothers on and off the pitch.
The building blocks of a cohesive unit that understands each other, often starts from the coach and the leadership group of the team.
Berhalter recalls his negotiations with his players during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, when he found out that four of his younger players didn’t return to their hotel until after 4am. The relatively new coach at that time had two choices, he could either display his power or share it.
His decision back then sort of paved the way, the coach of the national team sharing a bond with his players, and getting into their good books.
So that morning, instead of discipline it was dialogue. “It was about, ‘O.K., guys, we need to align our expectations here. We’re in a freaking tournament. We’re trying to win. We’re not here to go out. … But if you need to be with family, friends, whatever you want to do [after a game], you guys come to me with a curfew you think is reasonable,’ ” Berhalter remembers telling his players.
And the players came back with 2:15am after their calculations. This curfew sat well with Berhalter, who said, “It was funny to be negotiating with these guys.”
He felt that this decision making process made the players feel empowered too, and it wasn’t as if they were being forced or things were being imposed onto them.
Full back Antonee Robinson has been open about his relationship with veteran Tim Ream, who partnered him in defense at club and country level.
In an interview with the Men in Blazers, Robinson says, “He was one of the big reasons I came to Fulham in the first place. He kind of reaffirmed that it was a good decision to come.”
Similarly, Haji Wright and Christian Pulisic share a bond that dates back to their youth playing days. Growing up together in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, they’ve known each other since they were teenagers.
Pulisic has often spoken about the comfort of having a friend like Wright in the squad, saying, “We’ve been through a lot together, so when we step on the field, it feels natural.”
Midfield duo Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams enjoy a close friendship that mirrors their teamwork on the field.
Both products of the U.S. youth system, their rise to prominence in Europe has only strengthened their relationship. McKennie has described Adams as “a brother,” while Adams reciprocates, noting, “We just understand each other, whether it’s positioning on the field or picking each other up when things get tough.”
Adams also talks about McKennie’s energy, “We get along well for sure, but I’m not normally hanging around people that have his type of energy,” Adams jokes. “His type of energy, that’s a lot to handle. That’s why these national team camps every three months are perfect.”
This USMNT side is more than just a team—it’s a brotherhood fueled by trust, respect, and shared ambition. It’s a developing team that understands the impact of chemistry and working.