The 2025 MLS All-Star Game took center stage at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, as the MLS All-Stars secured a 3-1 victory over their Liga MX counterparts in front of a lively crowd of 20,738 fans.
Among the standout moments of the night was the All-Star debut of three former MLS NEXT Pro talents who have made the leap to one of the league’s brightest stages: Alex Freeman, Diego Luna, and Max Arfsten.
All three featured in the second half of the match in a tight contest against the Liga MX All-Stars.
Columbus Crew winger Max Arfsten made his All-Star debut by entering at the start of the second half, replacing Philadelphia Union’s Kai Wagner.
Arfsten, who spent most of his time in MLS NEXT Pro with the San Jose Earthquakes II (now The Town FC) in 2022, put in a solid 30-minute shift.
Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna, who featured for Real Monarchs in 2022, played the full second half.
Although he didn’t register a goal contribution during his 45 minutes on the pitch, he delighted the Austin crowd with his trademark creativity in the attacking half.
Rounding out the trio was 20-year-old Alex Freeman, who came on for the final 30 minutes. The Orlando City SC fullback, fresh off competing in the MLS Skills Challenge against social media star Speed, locked down the right flank against some of Liga MX’s best attackers.
“We had a very nice crowd. It’s something I gotta feel grateful for, representing Orlando,” said Freeman, fresh off making his MLS All-Star debut. “I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly, but I’m very grateful.”
Freeman spent three seasons with Orlando City B before breaking into the first team in 2025 and earning a call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team earlier this summer.
His family, including his father, former NFL player Antonio Freeman, was in attendance to witness Freeman’s first All-Star appearance.
For these three rising stars, the 2025 MLS All-Star game wasn’t just a celebration, it was a testament that MLS NEXT Pro is the launching pad for the league’s next generation of stars, with more looking to follow suit in the following years.
