Following a disappointing 2-0 defeat to South Korea on Saturday, where the U.S. Men`s National Team largely struggled, attention is now turning to the crucial goalkeeping position. While Matt Turner held the starting role in the 2022 World Cup, his recent lack of club minutes has created an opportunity. Under coach Mauricio Pochettino, the competition for the primary goalkeeper spot has intensified, with Matt Freese emerging as a strong contender.
Although Turner has resumed regular play with New England, Freese has also distinguished himself at New York City FC. His stellar form earned him a starting position for the USMNT during the Gold Cup, where he played six consecutive matches. Subsequently, Freese was the sole experienced goalkeeper selected for the squad facing South Korea and Japan. Despite the loss to South Korea, his individual efforts significantly mitigated a potentially larger defeat.
Freese demonstrated exceptional anticipation, frequently venturing from his box to thwart opposing attacks and largely containing South Korea, preventing numerous scoring opportunities. Although he conceded two goals, these were primarily a result of defensive lapses rather than any significant errors on his part. A highlight of his Gold Cup campaign was his pivotal role in the USMNT`s penalty shootout victory against Costa Rica, where he saved an impressive three penalties—a testament to his meticulous preparation, which notably included a research project conducted at Harvard.
How to Watch USMNT vs. Japan
Date: Tuesday, September 9
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio
Television: TNT, Universo
Streaming: Fubo
Betting Odds: USMNT +210; Draw +240; Japan +120
This dedicated study has clearly yielded results. In MLS Next Pro, Freese triumphed in three of four penalty shootouts for the Philadelphia Union, including two during regular season play, and later secured a U.S. Open Cup shootout victory with New York City FC. His recent display against South Korea also highlighted his capabilities in open play. While he might already be considered for a World Cup spot primarily due to his penalty-saving prowess, his showings in the upcoming matches are crucial for solidifying his overall position.
A strong performance against Japan on Tuesday could easily see Freese overtake Turner as the USMNT`s primary goalkeeper. The path to the World Cup can be swift and unexpected; Freese, having only debuted for the USMNT against Türkiye in early June, could conceivably be a starter by June 2026 when the stakes are highest. Both Turner and Zack Steffen—who was the USMNT`s number one before Turner but missed the 2022 roster—will undoubtedly vie for the position. However, as Freese accumulates more national team experience, his increasingly impressive displays are becoming undeniable.
Amidst broader roster uncertainties, Freese is actively making a strong case for himself, aiming to simplify Pochettino`s selection challenges. Nevertheless, only future performances will determine if his ascendancy culminates in a significant role at the upcoming World Cup.
