Despite the short window, the 6-foot-3, 190-lb. Steffen has liked the camp's vibe. "Training has been, short, sharp and quick,” he said.
After not reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and with a number of young players featuring for major European clubs, there are high expectations of the USMNT qualifying for Qatar 2022.
"America as a whole has expectations, we have high expectations for ourselves," Steffen said. "That's just how the mentality has to be to reach the levels that we want to reach. We just shut out the outside noise.”
With a squad that has 13 players age 20 and under and an average of nine caps, the 25-year-old ‘keeper’s 17 caps make him a wily veteran and place an automatic leadership role on him.
"Just being a goalkeeper, my role is being a leader, being that voice on the field," he said. "I'm trying to get to know these guys as much as possible. We don't have a lot of time to get to know what they're about, welcome them into the team, into the family, making sure that they feel comfortable to come to me or anybody about anything. Just letting them know that there's a certain standard that comes along with being a part of this team. We have a really good group of young guys. They're willing to work, learn and push themselves to get better."
In a rare and intriguing meeting of U.S. internationals last week, Steffen sat down for coffee with U.S. Women’s National Team standout midfielder Sam Mewis, who scored in Man City's 3-1 victory over Everton in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley on Nov. 1.
"We just caught up and really just chatted about Manchester life, the teams, a little bit of national team," Steffen said. "A little bit of Voycenow since she's been a big part of that with me. She's awesome.”
Voycenow is Steffen's non-profit foundation that helps families in need.
"It was really nice to meet Sam," Steffen said. "She's just a great personality. I'm really, really looking forward to connecting with her again soon. We're thinking about doing a little American Thanksgiving.”
"So that'll be nice to get to know her husband. She’s got a cute dog. Just good vibes, good people. That's what I like around me. I'm really looking forward to continuing that relationship."
And perhaps getting some time in goal this week
