Cristian Roldan's midfield efforts pay dividends with USMNT call-up

Throughout the 2025 season, Sounders FC’s Cristian Roldan has proven himself to be one of the most efficient deep-lying midfielders in MLS.

On Wednesday, Sept. 3, his hard work came to fruition with his first U.S. National Team call-up since 2023.

“Sometimes it does take 30 games to stand out, especially when they're not looking for you right away,” said Sounders General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel. “But I do think over the course of the season, he's really risen to the top of that chart in that position in our league.”

The last time the midfielder earned a spot on the USMNT roster, he played a vital role in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup competition, coming up big with an assist against Saint Kitts and Nevis. Now, he has the opportunity to showcase his talents on the world stage once again under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino in a pair of friendlies against Korea Republic and Japan.

“As an organization, it's always a proud day when you see a guy get called in,” said Waibel. “He is showing a lot of young players the blueprint of how to get there and how to go about it.”

The Sounders veteran has been a workhorse in the central midfield since transitioning to the role late into the 2024 season. In 2025 alone, he’s contributed to 10 assists and two goals across all competitions for the Rave Green.

He most recently caught people’s attention in the FIFA Club World Cup, where he tallied a goal in the Sounders’ first group stage match against Botafogo. Head Coach Brian Schmetzer even described him as “the best player on the field,” in the team’s matches against the Brazilian side and Spain powerhouse Atlético de Madrid.

Still, Waibel believes it's been his consistent work rate since the start of the year that has ultimately pushed him back into the USMNT conversations.

“I don't think he elevated his play throughout the season. I actually think this is where he came in, and the difference is he just hasn't ever gone down,” said Waibel. “I think he's played at a high level, far above the league average, in the position all year with, you know, maybe minutes of playing below that level, but not games.”

It is clear Roldan can compete with the best of the best in MLS, North America and clubs from around the world. While the midfielder already has 33 caps under his belt with the USMNT, he’s ready to make a statement during the September camp to cement his place on the team for the long term — especially with FIFA World Cup 2026 less than a year away.

“I always feel like I have a lot to give, whether it’s on the field, off the field,” said Roldan. “I’m a competitor. I’m going to make the guys around me better [and] I’m going to compete at a very high level.”