A Q&A with DC United goalkeeper coach Cody Mizell as the start of the new MLS season gets underway.
Cody, how did preparations go for the new MLS season?
Preseason has been intense - and that has been intentional. From a goalkeeping perspective, we’ve focused heavily on tactical organization, communication, and decisive decision-making. The group has shown real professionalism and intensity, which is what you want heading into a long MLS season.
DC United have signed Alex Bono and Sean Johnson going into this new season. What’s the thinking behind adding two experienced goalkeepers?
Bringing in experienced winners like Alex Bono and Sean Johnson - with already having a veteran Jordan Farr on our roster - has risen the ceiling of the entire club immediately.
I believe in competitive environments. No one is comfortable. No one is guaranteed anything. Veteran leadership combined with internal competition drives elite performance. When your training level feels like match intensity, you accelerate growth, and that’s the culture we’re building.
You've worked with different managers during your career on and off the pitch. How do you adapt your goalkeeping philosophy to different managers?
The manager’s game model dictates the tactical detail, but the goalkeeping philosophy at the club doesn’t change: proactive goalkeeping, leadership, and elite decision-making. My job is to ensure our goalkeepers aren't reacting to the game, but influencing it.
Having played professionally in the MLS and USL, how have you found the transition from playing to coaching?
When I retired and transitioned into coaching, it felt natural. As a player, I was always analytical. I asked questions. I studied video. I enjoyed mentoring younger keepers.
As a player, you control moments, but as a coach, your job is to build the framework for consistent performance. That responsibility drives me.
How do you use your playing experience to prepare your goalkeepers?
I’ve lived the position - the pressure, the setbacks, the competition for spots. That perspective helps me manage and coach. All of our goalkeepers are on different periodization throught the year and I have a first hand understanding of what each of these guys will need throughout a long season.
Our starting goalkeeper may need a lower-volume plan because matches provide the highest physical and mental load of the week, while the other three carry higher training loads to ensure continued development and readiness when called upon. Our young goalkeeper also plays with the U19s to gain meaningful match exposure, because live game experience is essential for accelerating growth and building good habits.
You also spent some time playing out in Iceland. How did that unique experience shape you?
As I mentioned before - it was tough as a young goalkeeper to find minutes domestically. My time with Fram Reykjavik forced growth. It was a different culture, different football identity, and different expectations from the manager. It forced me to adapt. That experience helped sharpen my professionalism and mentality. I encourage young goalkeepers to explore opportunities abroad if the challenge presents itself. Growth happens outside your comfort zone - and playing in a foreign environment will push this growth.
What areas are you as a coaching team focused on improving defensively this season with DCU?
Consistency, communication, and higher demand of defending the box. There’s constant collaboration across the staff to ensure we’re aligned tactically and most importantly, mentally.
Has the quality of goalkeeping in MLS improved since your early days playing?
Without question. When I began, the development pathway wasn’t as clear and structured. It was much harder for young goalkeepers to find minutes domestically. Now, with the addition of MLS Next Pro, it provides young goalkeepers with consistent professional minutes in a competitive environment - and helps bridge the gap between academy and first-team.
Ahead of the World Cup, what do you think the USA 's Matt Freese - your former teammate - has shown to earn consistent backing with the number one jersey at international level?
When a manager like Mauricio Pochettino puts trust in any player, it’s about consistency and personality. Having played alongside Matt Freese at New York City, I’ve seen first-hand the mentality that he has. His consistency and high level performances with the United States over the past year has built trust at the international level - and clearly in a manager like Pochettino.
