In Minneapolis, the youthful U.S. soccer team overcame a challenging finish against Costa Rica, holding its nerve in a penalty shootout ultimately triumphing over the experienced goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Matt Freese, a relatively new face on the national team, shined brightly despite a prior costly error. Having conducted a research project on penalty kicks during his time at Harvard, Freese leveraged his academic insights to prepare diligently for this occasion, which culminated in a steely display that propelled the U.S. to victory in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal on Sunday night.
Freese emphasized the value of reading the game and assessing opponents’ movements, contributing to his impressive performance in the shootout. The U.S. progressed with a 4-3 win after a 2-2 draw, setting up a semifinal clash with Guatemala in St. Louis on Wednesday. The robust form of Freese has offered renewed hope for the team’s prospects as they advance.
Originally from Pennsylvania, the 26-year-old has stepped into the national spotlight, taking over from Matt Turner, the 2022 World Cup, and 2023 Gold Cup starter. Freese skillfully blocked shootout attempts from Juan Pablo Vargas, Francisco Calvo, and Andy Rojas. Earlier in the match, Calvo successfully converted a penalty against Freese in the 12th minute.
Freese’s rise has been remarkable. Initially a seldom-used backup for Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union, a 2023 trade to New York City FC revamped his career. His chance with the national team arose due to injuries to key players Patrick Schulte and Zack Steffen.
Under the strategic leadership of new coach Mauricio Pochettino, the U.S. team is embracing the challenge of developing its young talent. Freese has been a critical component of this developmental push, honing his skills amidst the rigors of the biennial championship for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Freese, reflecting on his one conceded goal during the group stage, acknowledged it as a learning experience. A misplayed clearance against Haiti allowed a tying goal, yet the U.S. prevailed with a 2-1 win. The coaching staff expressed confidence in Freese, entrusting him with the demanding roles in the knockout stages.
Crystal Palace’s Matt Turner, having played sparingly during the season with just three FA Cup appearances, offers an opening for Freese or another goalkeeper to establish themselves ahead of the upcoming North American World Cup.
Coach Pochettino underscored the importance of testing players under pressure, allowing them to prove their ability to handle stress and excel. While Pochettino didn’t definitively state whether Freese has overtaken Turner, the coach was evidently impressed by Freese’s performance against a seasoned professional like Navas.
After each successful save in the shootout, Freese’s confidence surged. Following his third crucial dive, his exuberance was evident as he celebrated with assertive gestures toward his supportive teammates.
“He’s done extremely well and worked hard,” noted Diego Luna, who had netted his first international goal for the U.S. team in the first half. “These are the moments we live for.”