“We made it a goal to win Nations League.” - Zack Steffen on the USMNT’s drive for success.

Zack Steffen: Yeah, we made it a goal to win the Nations League. We want to take every game seriously. We want to use every game as a lesson, as a team, and as individuals because we're so young in this process and so young at the international level, and we all need games. We need competitions.

The team still needs to get used to Gregg Berhalter’s distinct style of play, which often sees the USMNT build-out with short passes through the backline into the midfield…

OneGoal: What do you think are some of the biggest changes between Berhalter’s style compared to some of the other coaches you've worked within the past?

Zack Steffen: Yeah, there’s definitely more of a system, a lot of tactical work. There's more of a reason why we play the way we play, and sometimes, it's hard. It doesn't always work. But when it does work, when the team is fully focused and, you click and move the ball quickly, then it can be beautiful.

OneGoal: How does that distinct possession-oriented playing style impact your game as a goalkeeper? And what are some of the key areas of the game that you focus on now given that new system?

Zack Steffen: Yeah, it's obviously different. It's not what everybody is used to growing up as an American soccer player. You don't really focus on possession and playing out from your secure box when you’re 10 or 15 years old. So it's definitely a transition, and I’m still just 24, and I want to improve in all areas of my game. But I think for a goalkeeper in Gregg’s system, it's mostly about smart decision making. When to keep the ball short in front of your goal or when to play long and get everybody up the field.

It’s quite clear that the team is focused and determined to return to winning ways specifically to propel them into a successful World Cup qualifying campaign, despite many critical players including Zack Steffen (24), Christian Pulisic (21), Tyler Adams (21), Weston McKennie (21) and Sergiño Dest (19) still being in their young 20s or late teens. We asked Zack about being a leader for the younger players in the team and what captaincy means to him.

OneGoal: So you're only 24 and one of the leaders for the national team alongside some of the other young leaders like Christian or Tyler or Weston. How do you view the long-term potential for the team as we approach the 2022 World Cup?

Zack Steffen: Yeah, that's a good question. Honestly, it’s tough to look out that long because there's so much that goes on in the soccer world, and anything can happen. There's so many changes each and every year, so you never know what the future holds for us, but we just focus on the games we have this year. Right now, we are focusing on the 2022 World Cup and just trying to make sure we get into that tournament.

OneGoal: So how do you work with some of the younger guys coming into the camp and to integrate them into the team during such an important time?

Zack Steffen: It's always fun having younger guys come into camp, and like you said, Christian and all those guys are also leaders, so it’s fun to have that dynamic. We have a very solid group of core guys like that on the team that come in pretty much every camp, that can really come in and welcome the young guys into the swing of things. It’s always fun.

OneGoal: So you're following in a long line of great US goalkeepers -- players like Tim Howard, Brad Friedel, and Kasey Keller -- many of which wore that Captain's armband. Do you think we could see a Zack Steffen as a USMNT captain of the future?

“I hope so -- that would be an amazing honor and privilege. We’ll see.” - Zack Steffen on the potential of becoming captain for the USMNT one day.

Zack Steffen: I hope so - that would be an amazing honor and privilege. We’ll see. For the younger guys, I try to always be there if they need anything, any advice they need, or if they have any questions. But overall, I'm definitely more of a guy who leads by example - training hard, doing the right things, and just smiling and [being] kind to everyone.