Max Arfsten grew up playing on modest fields in Fresno, a talent that caught the eye of Dwayne Shaffer, head coach of the UC Davis men’s soccer program, when few other programs were watching.
A Journey From Public Fields to World Cup
At UC Davis, Arfsten quickly made his mark, earning Big West All‑Freshman Team honors and later sweeping the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year and first‑team selections in his sophomore season, helping the Aggies capture the Big West tournament title and secure a national seed in the NCAA Tournament.
After turning professional, he signed with Columbus Crew, where his breakout performances earned him the 14th overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft and a rookie season that culminated in an MLS Cup triumph and a Leagues Cup championship in 2024.
His form earned a senior debut for the United States on Jan. 18, 2025, against Venezuela, and a pivotal role at the Concacaf Gold Cup after Antonee Robinson’s injury, where he scored his first senior international goal in a quarterfinal against Costa Rica.
World Cup Preparation
Now, with 20 caps and a single international goal under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, Arfsten heads to the World Cup as the lone Columbus Crew representative on the U.S. roster, poised to contribute as an attacking left back on soccer’s biggest stage. The journey from public park pitches to the World Cup spotlight reflects not only his personal dedication but also the support of his family and the mentorship of coaches like Shaffer, who have watched his evolution with pride.