The ghosts of games past and future are hovering around Brenden Aaronson this week, although not in a sinister sort of way. He’s not haunted. Rather, the 20-year-old is in transition. He’s in limbo between MLS and Europe, in mourning for the title that got away and eagerly anticipating the challenges and excitement to come. Through it all, he has to focus on the critical here and now—a U.S. national team camp at which much is expected of him, despite the potential distractions.
Aaronson is a new senior national team player. His single appearance with the side came 10 months ago in the low-stakes friendly that concluded January camp.