NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese delivered a stellar performance on Sunday night, making five saves to help his team secure a 1-0 victory against the Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference semifinals. This win sets NYCFC up for a showdown with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the East Finals, vying for a chance to reach the MLS Cup Final on December 6th. Freese’s impressive display continues to highlight his emergence as a leading contender for the U.S. men’s national team starting goalkeeper ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Maxi Morales opened the scoring for NYCFC in the 27th minute. Meanwhile, the Union, who claimed the 2025 Supporters’ Shield, experienced their second defeat of the season at Subaru Park. Morales perfectly timed his run to connect with a pass from Nicolas Fernandes, ultimately beating goalkeeper Andre Blake with a precise shot that rolled inside the left post.
Blake made two notable saves, including a diving stop on a shot from Fernandes just after halftime. Unfortunately, he appeared to sustain a hamstring injury during this play, leading to Andrew Lick taking over as goalie in the 60th minute. Throughout the match, the Union outperformed NYCFC with a total of 20 shots compared to the six from New York City.
Fan Take: This matchup is significant as it not only showcases the rising talents in MLS but also sets the stage for a historic final featuring Messi, amplifying the excitement and attention on American soccer. Fans should closely watch how young players like Freese and Morales develop in these high-stakes games, as they could shape the future of the sport in the U.S.
