Orlando's Alex Freeman set to shine at MLS All-Star Skills Challenge!

Orlando, United States - Orlando City SC defender Alex Freeman has been given an exciting opportunity to showcase his skills on a grand stage. He has been selected to participate in the 2025 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, an event that draws top talents from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Mexico’s LIGA MX. At just 20 years old, this will mark Freeman’s debut in the Skills Challenge, where he will display his abilities in the MLS All-Star Touch Challenge and the MLS All-Star Cross & Volley Challenge, as reported by Orlando City SC.

The event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring high-profile participants such as former U.S. international Clint Dempsey and Mexican star Oribe Peralta, among others. It’s the second year that players from both leagues, alongside outstanding female talents, will compete in this captivating contest. The Skills Challenge, taking place at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, kicks off at 8 p.m. CT on July 22, just before the All-Star Game itself.

Orlando City’s Strong Representation

With significant excitement surrounding the All-Star week, Freeman’s participation adds to a solid representation from Orlando City. Alongside him, fellow teammate Marco Pašalić has also been named to the MLS All-Star roster. This brings Orlando City’s total to five players actively involved in the festivities, including Gustavo Caraballo and Dylan Judelson at the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, and Carlos Mercado in the Goalie Wars competition.

Speaking of the MLS All-Star Game, it is set to occur on July 23 at 9 p.m. ET, where the MLS All-Stars will face off against LIGA MX. The clash promises to be riveting, featuring a talent pool that includes players like Hany Mukhtar and Carles Gil, who are making notable contributions to their teams this season. As highlighted by MLS Soccer, Mukhtar is the reigning Landon Donovan MLS MVP and continues to lead the league’s scoring charts with astounding statistics. Carles Gil, with his impressive performance this season, has been selected for the fourth time and is among the league’s elite in goal contributions.

Building on Past Successes

The anticipation for this year’s All-Star events comes on the heels of last year’s thrilling matchup. In 2024, the MLS All-Star Game saw Liga MX overpower the MLS side, winning 4-1, as available records on Wikipedia reveal. Meanwhile, the Skills Challenge from that year included five diverse events focused on ball skills and teamwork, where Liga MX All-Stars also shone brightly, capturing three of the five challenges.

The recent history of the All-Star Game illustrates a growing competitiveness and engagement between the two leagues, with thrilling displays of skill and cooperation. As soccer fans gear up for a week of excitement in Austin, it’s clear that events like the Skills Challenge and the All-Star Game will continue to foster camaraderie and showcase the rich talent pool within North American soccer.

As Alex Freeman prepares to take the field, Orlando City fans will undoubtedly be watching closely, cheering for their young star and hoping for an extraordinary showing in what promises to be a memorable celebration of soccer.