The recent 2-0 defeat of the United States national team against South Korea highlighted areas of concern, yet one position seems to be gaining clarity: goalkeeper. While Matt Turner, the starting keeper for the 2022 World Cup, has been experiencing a lack of playing time, the competition for the number one shirt under Mauricio Pochettino has intensified, with Matt Freese emerging as the primary beneficiary.
Freese`s Ascent in USMNT
Turner has now returned to New England and is playing regularly, but Freese has also shone brightly with New York City FC, earning a starting spot for the USMNT at the Gold Cup. He played six consecutive matches there, and then became the only capped keeper called up to the national squad for the matches against South Korea and Japan. Despite the loss to South Korea, the game could have been much worse if not for the outstanding performance of the NYCFC player.
Skills and Analytical Approach
Freese demonstrated excellent anticipation, bravely rushing out of his box to intercept attacks, and successfully kept South Korea at bay, preventing clear goal-scoring opportunities. Although he conceded two goals, this was more a consequence of defensive shortcomings than any issues directly attributable to the goalkeeper. At the Gold Cup, a standout moment for Freese was helping the USMNT win a penalty shootout against Costa Rica, where he saved three shots, showcasing the depth of his research, which included an analytical project at Harvard.
The Penalty Master
This research has paid off: in MLS Next Pro, Freese won three out of four penalty shootouts he participated in with Philadelphia Union, and also secured a U.S. Open Cup shootout victory with New York City FC. In the match against South Korea, Freese also demonstrated his strength in open play. While he might have already earned a World Cup squad spot purely as a penalty shootout expert, his performances in these upcoming matches will be crucial.
Key Match Against Japan and Future Prospects
A strong performance on Tuesday against Japan could easily allow the goalkeeper to displace Turner as the USMNT`s number one. Players can emerge “out of nowhere” to make the World Cup squad, but Freese could go from making his USMNT debut in early June against Turkey to starting when the lights are brightest in June 2026. Turner, and even Zack Steffen, who was the number one before Turner and then missed the 2022 roster, will do everything possible to challenge Freese, but as the NYCFC player gains more experience with the national team, his performances are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
With uncertainties throughout the squad, Freese is doing everything he can to make Pochettino`s job easier, but only time will tell if this will pay off at the World Cup.
Upcoming Match Details: USA vs. Japan
- Date: Tuesday, September 9
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Lower.com Field — Columbus, Ohio
- TV: TNT and Universo
- Odds: USA +210; Draw +240; Japan +120
