NYCFC's Matt Freese Settles In At USMNT With First Win And Clean Sheet

New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese kept his first clean sheet for the United States in their 2025 Gold Cup opener against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday.

It was Freese’s first appearance in a competitive game for his country, having made his debut in a 2-1 friendly defeat to Turkey in the build-up to this tournament.

The USMNT ran out 5-0 winners, which went some way towards their recovery from disappointing defeats to Türkiye and Switzerland in the warm-up games.

“I thought the whole group was, was really clean,” Freese said after the Trinidad and Tobago game. 

“A clean sheet doesn't start with just the defense — though I thought the defense and the back four, back five, and the sixes were fantastic — but it also starts with the pressure up top. 

“You see, in the first half, Diego [Luna] has an incredible challenge halfway up the field, to stop a counter-attack. Things like that. 

“It’s a real team-first mentality, and probably doesn't get the recognition it deserves. 

“A moment like that from Diego, moments you guys don't see, but a corner that's about to come, and Malik tracks back, and is the first one back, we stopped the ball. He doesn't even need to be there, but he's there just in case.

“Things like that really matter. And then obviously the back four, back five was incredible today.”

Freese is settling in well with the United States camp after his overdue call-up to the national team.

The NYCFC goalkeeper has been one of the standout players in his position in Major League Soccer, and is now getting wider recognition for this form.

Though it's a step up in level and a new scenario playing in an international tournament, there is also plenty of familiarity.

“It was great to have a game already in this camp and get my first cap under my belt before this game,” Freese said of his introduction to the USMNT. 

“That being said, even in the Türkiye game, it felt very natural.

“The guys that I'm communicating with on the field, Chris [Richards], Mark [McKenzie], Miles [Robinson], Tim [Ream] — I've played with three of those guys since I was 18 years old, so I'm very familiar with them.

“I played against Mark when he was a striker when we were about 12 years old, so it felt very natural, even in the Türkiye game, to be behind them and be with them on the field.”

The transition from club to international football can be difficult, with small moments magnified and only a short space of time to make an impact, but Freese has handled the step up well so far.

“Like I said last game, there’s pretty much nothing I care about more than winning soccer games, and so being able to win this one felt amazing. 

“It gives you a taste and it makes you want more.”