USMNT Stars Ready to Shine: Eight Players Set to Dominate MLS Cup Playoff Semifinals
Eight players from the U.S. men's national team will be in the spotlight this weekend during the MLS Cup playoff conference semifinals.
Although global stars such as Lionel Messi, Thomas Müller, and Son Heung-min will capture headlines, important USMNT contributors return to their clubs pursuing the MLS Cup in December.
Players who have made their mark internationally like Alex Freeman and Max Arfsten may be eliminated from the playoffs, but several others remain focused on securing spots for the 2026 World Cup roster and claiming the premier North American championship.
Sports Illustrated highlights the USMNT players worth monitoring during MLS playoff competition.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Sebastian Berhalter, Brian White, Tristan Blackmon
Sebastian Berhalter enters following a display that could have secured his place on the 2026 World Cup squad. Following an exceptional set-piece goal and assist in the 5–1 victory over Uruguay to close 2025, Berhalter approaches the Western Conference semifinal against Son's LAFC with significant momentum.
Whitecaps top scorer Brian White and MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon are both expected to return from their injuries.
Berhalter may partner with Müller in the midfield, having developed a close bond with him since August.
"I believe we both share... an extremely competitive nature," Berhalter explained to MLS. "We motivate each other, and it's enjoyable. Having someone like that, arriving and demanding excellence in training while striving to be the best, establishes the standard for everyone. It's fantastic having him in our squad."
LAFC: Timothy Tillman
Timothy Tillman approaches the fixture following his starting role in the impressive showing against Uruguay. He featured for 75 minutes and generated two scoring opportunities in a dynamic midfield position.
He has maintained consistency as one of LAFC's most reliable performers this campaign, starting 29 of his 32 matches.
New York City FC: Matt Freese
Matt Freese couldn't maintain a clean sheet with the USMNT during the November international break, conceding goals in victories against Paraguay and Uruguay. However, he appears positioned as the frontrunner for the number one spot entering a World Cup year.
Freese has established himself among the Eastern Conference's premier goalkeepers this season, providing No. 5 seed NYCFC with a genuine opportunity to overcome the Supporters' Shield champion Philadelphia Union.
FC Cincinnati: Miles Robinson, Roman Celentano
FC Cincinnati rely on USMNT defender Miles Robinson and goalkeeper Roman Celentano as they aim to contain Inter Miami.
Robinson completed the full 90 minutes in the 2–1 triumph over Paraguay during the second-to-last USMNT fixture of 2025, earning eight appearances under manager Mauricio Pochettino's leadership throughout the year.
With 29 starts across 29 club appearances, he has been instrumental in the Knifey Lions' defensive structure. He is expected to anchor the backline alongside Alvas Powell and Teenage Hadebe.
Celentano, who received multiple call-ups this year, appears to be competing for a 2026 reserve goalkeeper position.
During the previous encounter between these teams at TQL Stadium, Robinson registered seven defensive actions and Celentano made two saves as Cincinnati overwhelmed Miami 3–0.
San Diego FC: Luca de la Torre
San Diego FC completed an impressive debut MLS season and will aim to advance to the Western Conference final when they face Minnesota United at Snapdragon Stadium.
Luca de la Torre was absent from the latest USMNT camp but earned eight caps during 2025. His most recent appearance came in October during a 2–0 victory over Japan, a result that launched the Mauricio Pochettino era.
De la Torre has contributed five goals and two assists across 30 MLS appearances.
He began as a substitute in all three of San Diego's first-round matches against the Portland Timbers, accumulating 54 total minutes.