MLS All-Star Week has officially arrived in Austin, Texas, and while the Skills Challenge doesn’t kick off until Tuesday night, behind the scenes, the action has been in full swing since the weekend.
One of the most entertaining events of the week is set to shine once again as Goalie Wars returns for its fourth edition, ready to captivate fans and showcase the next generation of elite MLS NEXT Pro shot-stoppers.
Carlos Mercado (Orlando City B), Pedro Cruz (Houston Dynamo 2), Adisa De Rosario (Toronto FC II), and Eldin Jakupović (Chattanooga FC) offered MLSNEXTPro.com a behind-the-scenes look at how they are getting ready for their moment at the Goalie Wars showcase.
Between the Lions
The day began at the Fairmont hotel in downtown Austin, where players trickled in for media availability.
During the Monday media scrum, former MLS NEXT Pro standout and current USMNT player Alex Freeman spoke with reporters ahead of Wednesday’s All-Star Game.
The Orlando City SC player reflected on his journey through MLS NEXT Pro and how valuable it was for his development.
“Being there and playing 90 minutes consecutively, it's something that I needed,” Freeman said. “I was 17 when I signed [a Homegrown contract]. When you sign, maybe you’re not ready right away. I was there for three years, and my last year was the last year I broke out.”
Freeman also gave a Goalie Wars shoutout to his teammate Carlos Mercado, who stood nearby during the interview.
“I think he knows how good he is and how much he means to this [Orlando City SC] club,” Freeman said. “I feel like he’s just gonna have the confidence to be able to go and be able to perform. He’s been amazing for the team. I have no doubt he’s gonna perform [at Goalie Wars] and win it. I know how much of a competitive person he is as well, so I have so much faith in him.”
As Freeman wrapped up his press conference, Mercado exchanged a quick dap with his Orlando City SC teammate before heading down to the lobby to meet with the rest of the Goalie Wars crew.
From the Hotel to Q2
Before heading to Q2 to check out the Goalie Wars set up, all four goalkeepers met up with MLS NEXT Pro President Charles Altchek and Ali Curtis, MLS Senior Vice President of Sporting Development.
Altchek and Curtis greeted the players with smiles and handshakes, taking some time to get to know each of the keepers before snapping a group photo. Then it was off to Q2 Stadium for the pre-event walkthrough.
On the shuttle ride to the stadium, MLSNEXTPro.com got a glimpse of the group at their most relaxed. Four goalkeepers from different clubs, ages, and backgrounds shared stories, cracked jokes, and bonded over the position that unites them.
Veteran Eldin Jakupović reflected on a recent match against a youthful Inter Miami II squad, praising their energy and grit. He later struck up a conversation with Adisa De Rosario about his path to goalkeeping, having learned that his father, MLS legend Dwayne De Rosario, was a former striker.
"When I brought up the goalkeeping idea to my Dad, he thought I was out of my mind," Adisa said with a laugh.
The conversation shifted to what positions they would play if they weren't goalkeepers. Without hesitation, Carlos Mercado quickly answered first.
"No question about, I'd be a striker." Mercado said.
Adisa De Rosario nodded in agreement and said he would also play as a striker just like his father and his brother Osaze, currently a forward for Seattle Sounders FC.
Pedro Cruz grinned and offered a different take, and said he would prefer to play as a number ten so he could be creative in the attack.
Jakupović took a different approach and said he would play as a six, a defensive midfielder who could control the tempo and distribute passes across the pitch.
Perhaps the best moment of the shuttle ride came when Jakupović revealed a surprising family connection.
"He's my cousin," Jakupović exclaimed, referring to Malik Jakupović, the Philadelphia Union II forward who has scored five goals in just 101 minutes of MLS NEXT Pro action.
"We talked with his family after the Union game and found out his family lives 50 meters from where I grew up," he added, laughing.
These are the stories that never show up in the box score. The quiet connections and shared experiences that bring MLS NEXT Pro's rising stars and veteran leaders together.
The Walkthrough
As the players arrived at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium, they made their way to the staging area for the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge. There, they met with the operations crew tasked with running one of the week’s most complex live productions.
The team walked the goalkeepers through every detail of Goalie Wars. From blocking out player entrances and going over the rules and positioning to the trophy presentation and post-match interviews, every movement was meticulously planned. For an event of this scale, timing and precision are everything.
Eventually, the goalkeepers stepped onto the pristine Q2 pitch for a dry run of the contest. They rehearsed their walkouts, tested the pitch, and learned what to expect if they are crowned champion. But it wasn’t all business.
The keepers began firing warm-up shots at each other as the production crew timed out the sequence of the event. In what was meant to be a casual rehearsal, Carlos Mercado went full stretch to deny a shot from Jakupović. It was a clear sign of his competitive spirit and “never back down” mentality, even during walkthroughs and perhaps a preview of what was to come on Tuesday night.
With focus locked in, it was clear these players are not just here to enjoy the moment. They are here to compete, to prove themselves to the league, and to show everyone watching what MLS NEXT Pro goalkeepers are made of.
And of course, they are all chasing the ultimate prize: the MLS NEXT Pro Goalie Wars championship belt.
Don’t miss the action and catch Goalie Wars live and free on Tuesday, July 22 at 9 PM ET, exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
