Matt Freeses stellar Gold Cup putting him on map…
New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese joked that he doesn’t take into account himself the neatest man in the world, even though he graduated from Harvard with a degree in economics.
And no, there’s no particular system he’s been utilizing to clarify the success he’s been having this season.
Freese had already been having a good yr for NYCFC when he entered the Gold Cup with the U.S. Men’s National Team earlier this summer time, and by the top of it, he had grow to be a bona fide star. That has put Freese in the dialog to be the Americans’ beginning keeper with the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup much less than a yr away.
Matt Freese celebrates after making a save during the penalty shootout during a recreation between Costa Rica and USMNT at U.S. Bank Stadium on June 29, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Getty Images
Prior to the Gold Cup, Freese had made one look for the USMNT, but ended up changing longtime netminder Matt Turner and beginning all six matches for the Americans.
“It was a huge honor, incredible honor to be, not only in the group, but also the one playing for the tournament,” Freese advised The Post in a telephone interview. “I promised myself at the end of the January camp that I was gonna do everything possible to make sure I was ready for it in case it did happen.”
The 26-year-old had only made his senior workforce debut days before the beginning of the Gold Cup, and the profession MLS participant took the chance and ran with it.
Outside of a hiccup in the group stage against Haiti — misplaying a clearance attempt that led to a objective for Haiti — Freese put on a sturdy efficiency and was particularly heralded for his work during the quarterfinals when he performed hero during penalty kicks in the match against Costa Rica.
Freese defined that head coach Mauricio Pochettino and the teaching workers had known as the Gold Cup a “big step for me” as he helped the United States attain the finals, where they finally misplaced to Mexico, 2-1.
So does that imply Freese can be beginning in web for the United States in 2026?
“There’s not been much communication about that,” Freese stated. “Obviously, the communication was optimistic, and there’s a lot of work to be accomplished for me. I need to proceed to improve in areas and proceed to push, but the communication was that it was a massive step, took a massive step ahead.
“But that step where I reached now, that has to now be the minimum standard. That’s a new foundation for me, and I need to continue to build on that foundation.”
Matt Freese seems to be on before a recreation against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on July 12, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Getty Images
Freese credited his success to the preparation he places into his craft and stated “nothing changes” whether or not he’s preparing to play in an MLS preseason recreation or face Mexico in the Gold Cup ultimate.
“It gives me comfort knowing that I’ve done the same thing leading up to every game,” he stated.
USMNT captain Tyler Adams beforehand advised The Post how “amazing” it was to see how Freese “grew into himself throughout the tournament.” Freese acknowledged that after a few video games during the event, he began to really feel more snug and that also performs into his success on the pitch.
“I’m someone that when I’m myself and when I’m confident, having fun and talking smack, that’s when I’m at my best,” he stated.
New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese blocks a shot by Orlando City. AP
Freese returned to his MLS membership final week and helped NYCFC to a 2-1 victory on Wednesday over Orlando SC, a workforce sitting in entrance of City in the convention standings. And he’ll be back between the pipes Saturday when NYCFC faces Sporting KC.
After the breakout efficiency in the Gold Cup, it might be simple to get forward of oneself, but Freese is back to strengthen his case for next yr.
“Am I allowing myself to think about that, to be honest? No,” he stated. “I’m someone that really likes to stay in the present. And you know there is about 330 days before the tournament starts.”
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