GOAL U.S. writers take a look at some of the biggest storylines in American soccer
With 2025 coming to a close, American soccer can take stock of a meaningful year – even as attention quickly shifts to what promises to be a defining 2026.
The year’s final weeks have only reinforced that sense of momentum, with American players across Europe delivering – led by Christian Pulisic in Serie A, Antonee Robinson back in the Premier League, and Brenden Aaronson finding his stride at Leeds.
That said, there's a lot to discuss. As everyone looks ahead to 2026, what does all of this mean? What did 2025 mean for members of the USMNT, and with that calendar switch just days away, how have they positioned themselves for what's to come in the weeks and months ahead?
GOAL U.S. writers debate all of that and more in another edition of… .
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Is this Pulisic's best campaign and what's behind this form this season?
Ryan Tolmich: It's early, of course, but, yeah, this is the best version of Pulisic that we've ever seen. To get there, it requires a perfect storm of things to create that version. It requires the right fitness levels, which, to Pulisic's credit, may come as a result of this summer off. It requires a club willing to hand him the keys to dominate. And, most importantly, it requires a supremely confident player with the skill to match. That's Pulisic at the moment, and as long as that confidence remains, the USMNT will have a star ready for the World Cup next summer.
Tom Hindle: Yes! And the key is fitness. He’s had his minutes managed well, and, honestly, sitting out of the Gold Cup seems to have done him the world of good. He’s fresh and firing. The USMNT must be buzzing.
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Antonee Robinson looks back to his old self. How much of a difference will he make for the USMNT?
RT: A massive difference. It hasn't taken long for Robinson to prove that he's still one of the best in the Premier League, has it? He's already right back into the swing of things at Fulham, which is such an encouraging sign after all of his injury issues. As good as his USMNT understudies have been in his absence, Robinson is still in a different stratosphere compared to anyone else on that left-hand side. His return will be a very, very welcome one.
TH: So, so, so much of a difference. Max Arfsten is a good left back who can hold his own at the international level. Robinson is a game changer who can impact play at both ends of the pitch – at any level. It’s a massive boost.
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Should McKennie stay at Juventus and is wingback his best position?
RT: Is wing back his best position? No. Is it okay that he's playing there? Absolutely. The key thing is that, no matter where he plays, McKennie continues to show that he's a difference-maker, even at a massive club like Juventus. As long as he proves that, he's in a good place, and there are no signs of him slowing down despite the constant positional switches. As long as he's contributing, why would he leave? There are few clubs bigger than Juventus, and the club has found that there are few players who can bring them what McKennie does.
TH: No and no. Please leave Juventus and play in center midfield, Weston.
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Has Brenden Aaronson found a home in the Premier League?
RT: He sure has! It's been fun to see how Aaronson has progressed and how he's taken the criticism thrown his way and seemingly used it to fuel the fire. Despite all the knocks on his contributions in the final third, Aaronson is now showing he can make a difference in that part of the field, and he's showing it at the most competitive league in the world today. Kudos to him for putting his head down, taking his lumps and coming out better for it. He still has a lot to prove, of course, but you have to give Aaronson credit for already proving so much.
TH: Still not quite convinced. He’s certainly had some success and should continue to be tested at a high level. But is the Premier League the right spot? TBD. Another shot at the Bundesliga may be a better fit.
