The Gold Cup has potentially revealed a new goalkeeping hero for the US men’s national team in Matt Freeze. During a sudden death shootout against Costa Rica, Freeze saved three penalties, helping the USMNT advance to the semi-finals. His presence on the field was unexpected; initially, he was the third-choice goalkeeper behind starter Matt Turner and former first-choice Zach Steffen. However, Steffen had to exit the national team camp due to an injury, and while Patrick Schulte was considered a replacement, he was also unavailable. This left Freeze, who had been training diligently, as the go-to keeper as coach Mauricio Pochettino evaluated his team.
Freeze exhibited incredible composure during the match. With a background in studying penalty kicks, he correctly anticipated many of the shots. A noteworthy moment was when he almost saved a shot from Francisco Calvo during regulation time. After the shootout, he credited his preparation and guidance from goalkeeper coach Toni Zimenez for his success.
Who is Matt Freeze?
Originally from Wayne, Pennsylvania, Freeze has ties to the Philadelphia Union, having previously played for their USL affiliate, Bethlehem Steel. After deciding to focus on his education at Harvard from 2017-2018, he eventually joined the Union in 2019.
"I conducted an extensive research project on penalty kicks," Freeze shared. "Being able to utilize that knowledge and analyze stats is crucial for reading the game."
Call it what you want: A podcast featuring Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola covers all things USMNT and soccer in the U.S. Tune in live on YouTube every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am.
Combining academic insights with on-field experience has made Freeze proficient at stopping penalties.
Freeze made his debut for the Union in April 2021 against CF Montreal and appeared a total of 13 times for the team, primarily with Union II in MLS Next Pro. Competing behind the exceptional Andre Blake was challenging, yet Freeze’s time in MLS Next Pro prepared him for high-pressure situations like penalty shootouts, which are part of the match format.
In 2022, while playing for Union II, Freeze participated in 16 matches and excelled in three of four shootouts. In January 2023, he was traded to New York City FC, stepping into a starting role following Sean Johnson’s departure. He quickly became recognized as one of the league’s top goalkeepers, even finishing as a finalist for the 2024 Goalkeeper of the Year and showcasing his skills in multiple cup scenarios.
For those keeping score, with Sunday’s victory, Freeze boasts a shooting defense record of six wins in eight attempts.
Suddenly with USMNT
Though Freeze did not feature in his initial camp in January 2025, he made enough of an impression to earn a spot again in July, where he eventually made his senior debut during a loss to Turkiye. Despite a lack of youth appearances for the USMNT, Freeze capitalized on his opportunity, establishing himself on the national stage.
Can Freeze Become the Starting Keeper at the World Cup?
If Matt Turner struggles for playing time at the club level, the starting goalkeeper position could be up for grabs. Coach Pochettino emphasizes the importance of club experience, and alongside Freeze’s recent performances, the competition for the goalkeeper spot could become intense as the World Cup approaches.
The shootout victory was a critical highlight for Freeze, but his overall performance during the tournament saw him achieve a 66.7% save rate and a goals-against average of -0.18. While external factors can complicate performances, Freeze remains a reliable presence and could enhance the USMNT’s chances with a stellar showing throughout the Gold Cup. However, with healthy competition from Schulte and Steffen, his path to a starting spot will not be easy, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
This growing depth in the USMNT goalkeeping position could pose a challenge for coaches, as it’s an area historically not associated with concern. Pochettino and his team will need to consider their preferred style when selecting a starter, especially with Freeze attending three consecutive camps. If the World Cup were to start tomorrow, Freeze and his competitors would have less than a year to make their cases.
Even if he doesn’t secure a starting role, Freeze’s expertise in penalty shootouts could prove invaluable. His unique skills and experiences signify exciting developments for the national team, reflecting Pochettino’s willingness to experiment and Freeze’s capacity to rise to the occasion.
Fan Take
Matt Freeze’s rise illustrates the evolving landscape of U.S. soccer; as more players step up under pressure, the team is building a promising future. His potential impact on the World Cup makes this an exciting time for fans, who can foresee a competitive edge in crucial moments.
