Who is Matt Freese? Player history, position & USMNT stats

Matt Freese is currently the USMNT's number one goalkeeper. The New York City FC keeper has become one of the best in MLS.

Who is Matt Freese?

Matt Freese was first called up by the USMNT in 2021, but was on the bench when Matt Turner was in goal for a 7-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago. At the time, Freese was also playing for the USMNT's Under-23s.

The NYCFC keeper had to wait until June 2025 to make his full debut in a 2-1 defeat to Turkey. Since then, Freese has been the USMNT's first-choice keeper.

Turner lacked game time in Europe with Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Lyon which opened the door for Freese. Turner is also now back in MLS with the New England Revolution.

Matt Freese's player history

Freese has played in the United States for his entire career. He came through the ranks at the Philadelphia Union and made the bench for their reserve team, the Bethlehem Steel.

The keeper also studied at Harvard and played for the Harvard Crimson. He left college early to play for the Union in MLS. Freese has a Supporters Shield Winners medal, but features just one for the Union when they won it in 2020. The keeper was also on the bench when the Union lost to Los Angeles FC in the 2022 MLS Cup final.

In total, he made 13 appearances for the Union. Freese then joined NYCFC, where he has been assured more game time. He has since played 84 times in MLS for the Pidegons.

Matt Freese's playing style and USMNT stats

At 6ft 3in, Freese is a commanding figure in the penalty area. He is a great shot stopper and has improved with the ball at his feet recently. This is very important for a modern-day keeper.

Since he made his debut for the USMNT last year, Freese has been an ever-present in Maurico Pochettino's linuep. He has been on the bench in just two games since, with Turner getting the nod. Freese is the favorite to be the Stars and Stripes' first-choice keeper at the World Cup this summer.

The USMNT has had some great keepers over the years, such as Tim Howard, Kasey Keller, and Brad Friedel. However, Freese has so far not emulated them by going to Europe.

Freese is only 27, which is still young for a keeper, but he is contracted to NYCFC until 2030. There are no current rumors that a move across the Atlantic is on the cards.