Matt Freese has a different kind of pressure with NYCFC in 2026

The 2026 season is less than two weeks away, and there are some New York City FC players who have more pressure on them than others. Some will need to step up with injuries to players like Alonso Martínez and Andrés Perea. Others have the pressure where they have to do well to earn minutes with the team. Then, there is Matt Freese.

The NYCFC goalkeeper has a different kind of pressure. He is already a talented player. There is a reason he was named the team MVP in 2024 and has become the starting goalkeeper over the last year with the USMNT. He has been working to solidify the role, and it appears he is officially the starter for the national team.

Matt Freese must perform well with NYCFC

However, Freese knows that playing with the USMNT is never a guarantee. But with the World Cup happening later this year, there is no question that the NYCFC player wants to be the man between the sticks when the opening match begins in June. Moreover, the spot is his to lose, which is why he has the pressure to continue his strong performances and perhaps be even better with the Pigeons.

This pressure is unique since he has to maintain the level that he has been playing since taking over the starting role with NYCFC. It is not about improving his abilities, but rather remaining strong mentally to not let the pressure impact how he plays.

If Freese lets the pressure get to him, and starts struggling with NYCFC, then he will not receive call-ups with the USMNT. No call-ups in the last few windows would put his chance to make the World Cup roster in jeopardy. More selfishly from the NYCFC perspective, the Boys in Blue cannot afford to have one of their stars not play well, especially the keeper.

As of now, the Pigeons will start the year without a true established striker. Fans should assume that there might be a dip in goals. Therefore, it is vital that the defense is solid and does their job. Moreover, after Justin Haak's departure, players like Freese need to create one of the best defenses in Major League Soccer.

The good news is that the goalkeeper is a professional. He has been under pressure before and has managed it well. So, the pressure will be there, but there is also the belief that Freese can continue to perform well with NYCFC and the USMNT.