'Think almost All-Star' - Orlando City SC, USMNT defender Alex Freeman on whether MLS ASG is better than NFL Pro Bowl

AUSTIN, Texas - Orlando City SC All-Star Alex Freeman's father Antonio played in the NFL for almost a decade, and was named to the Pro Bowl after leading the league in receiving yards in 1998 for the Green Bay Packers.

Growing up, Alex Freeman got to attend multiple Pro Bowls. And While the NFL is still king in the American sports landscape, Freeman believes MLS's midsummer classic might have a slight edge over the NFL's All-Star event.

"I think almost All-Star, just participating in it. I think its an honor," Freeman said following the Skills Challenge. "You know Pro Bowls, I've been obviously because of my dad. MLS All-Stars [and the Skills Challenge] is a new thing. I think it is really creative. I think it's really fun to watch your boys do what they want and you're also doing stuff, too."

Freeman, 20, is in the midst of a breakout campaign for both club and country. He has scored four goals and added one assist from the right back position at Orlando and started in all six of the USMNT's Gold Cup matches en route to the tournament's final against Mexico - a 2-1 loss. He acknowledged he's trying to enjoy his meteoric rise over the past year.

“It's kind of hard to reflect on that when so much stuff is happening,” Freeman said at MLS's All-Star media day. “Right after I finish Gold Cup, I go right into [MLS] games again. So the time to reflect was limited. But I always do think about it, of how grateful I am and what a great journey it was, to be able to come out the scene so quick."

Having made it as an MLS All-Star and having made it to USMNT, Freeman's goals have changed. Can he make the most of it? Can he then turn this summer into an even bigger leap with the 2026 World Cup less than a year away?

"It's one of those things where everything's going good for you," he told GOAL, "but there's so much more that you can do, you know? There's so much more to push for. It's not even about being humble, but it's about not overreacting to stuff like this. Obviously, when you do well, all of this stuff is going to happen, but I feel like it's about being able to continue to want more when you're in these types of moments."

Freeman is set to play in Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game against the Liga MX All-Stars.