Matt Freese, a 27-year-old NYCFC goalkeeper with 14 caps, has been named to the USMNT World Cup roster. He has recorded 50 saves and three clean sheets this season and is expected to be a serious contender for the No. 1 spot over Matt Turner. Freese has been a consistent performer for NYCFC, winning the team MVP in 2024 after ranking highly in MLS saves and save percentage. The USMNT aims to prove a “golden age” after failing to reach beyond the Round of 16 since 2002. The core group returns, led by Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie. Thirteen Americans are making their first World Cup, with notable omissions including Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann due to injury.
"NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese has been one of three goalkeepers selected to the United States men's national team (USMNT) World Cup roster, which will officially be unveiled on Tuesday. The 27-year-old, who has 14 caps for the co-host Americans, has made 50 saves with three clean sheets this season. He is expected to be in serious consideration for the No. 1 role over Matt Turner, the former Arsenal and Nottingham Forest keeper who currently plays for the New England Revolution, on loan from French Ligue 1 club Lyon."
"Freese has been a constant, reliable stalwart within NYCFC's ranks. He won the team's MVP award in 2024 after finishing third in MLS in saves and fourth in save percentage. The NYCFC man will hope to backstop a young American team that must prove that this is, in fact, a golden age. The USMNT has not advanced beyond the Round of 16 since 2002, and a promising showing at the previous World Cup in 2022 was cut short in the first knockout stage against the Netherlands."
"The majority of the Stars and Stripes' core is back, headlined by AC Milan (Italy) star attacker Christian Pulisic, former Red Bull New York product and Bournemouth (England) midfielder Tyler Adams, and midfielder Weston McKennie, who was one of Juventus' (Italy) most valuable players this season. In total, 13 Americans will be taking part in their first World Cup, which is half of head coach Mauricio Pochettino's roster."
"There were some surprises, including the absence of Real Salt Lake forward Diego Luna, who had put on some strong performances over the past year and was a perceived favorite of Pochettino. Instead, he went with Club America (Mexico) attacker Alejandro Zendejas. Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann, considered by many to be a lock to make the roster, was also omitted after he suffered a muscle injury. He was, however, expected to be ready for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11."
Read at www.amny.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]