'I just felt so emotional' - Vancouver Whitecaps' Sebastian Berhalter opens up on USMNT debut

The Vancouver midfielder discussed the indescribable feeling and physical reaction he experienced when stepping onto the field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in Hartford for his international debut

“I think it’s something I can’t even describe,” Berhalter told The Give N Go podcast. “Like it was goosebumps, it was like, I remember the first game in Hartford, Connecticut. I’m on the bus and I’m seeing like, everyone’s like tailgating right outside the stadium, and like kids are just running alongside the bus...

"I just felt so emotional and knowing that I was that kid chasing the bus, like I couldn’t control [my emotions] like I looked at Brian [White] and he’s [like] ‘Dude, are you crying?’ I was like, ‘I don’t know, I think so. ’ I just had like tears running down my face, I was like, 'wow.'"

Berhalter expressed wanting to return to the national team environment, indicating that his debut had only intensified his desire for further international opportunities.

“I felt so fortunate and so proud that I got to represent my country, and just being there, obviously, I want to be back,” Berhalter admitted. “But being there was incredible. So again, I think it’s a feeling that you can’t really describe, and it’s something that you just want more of...And you want to help your country and make the people proud.”

The 24-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a good season with his club side, the Vancouver Whitecaps, with eight assists and two goals. They currently sit second on the Western Conference table, two points behind leaders San Diego FC, but do have two games in hand. Berhalter believes team chemistry has been criticial to that success. 

“It’s a good group,” Berhalter said. “We always have guys stepping up, and when people go down, we have the next guy always there. And sometimes you don’t get that because guys aren’t playing and are a little grumpy, but it's really been every guy’s wanted to play their role and done great. It’s guys that have been together for three or four years, so we know each other really well.

“And then you know, different pieces have kind of come in here and there, so yeah, it’s a fun locker room. Fun group to be a part of, and we want to win a trophy.”

The Whitecaps face the Seattle Sounders next on Sept. 27, followed by the Canadian Championship final on Oct. 1 against Vancouver FC.