NYCFC's Matt Freese has mixed performance for USMNT in Germany friendly

As expected, New York City FC's Matt Freese started in goal on Saturday for the United States men's national team. The goalkeeper knew the pressure was on for him to have a great game, no matter what the score was at the end of the match. The Stars and Stripes played against Germany, and the European team is arguably stronger compared to the USMNT.

But again, the starting role for the goalkeeper was not set in stone, and Freese had to play his best. Alas, it was a bit of a mixed bag of good and bad in the 2-1 loss. The US was better than expected and competed in the game.

Truly, things started terribly for the NYCFC goalkeeper. It was vital that he did not make any mistakes or be at fault for the goals allowed. But in the second minute, a flurry of mistakes led Freese to commit his own.

Matt Freese's next match might be with NYCFC

It started with Tyler Adams fouling to give Germany a free kick. Joshua Kimmich was the one who sent the ball into the box, and it was clear it would not be on target. So, the next mistake was due to Miles Robinson, who was not properly defending and has been a questionable addition to the roster after his poor form in Major League Soccer and with the USMNT. This allowed Germany's Kai Havertz to make contact and head the ball into the goal.

At the same time, Freese should have come off his line to try to clear the danger. Instead, he stayed on the line, limiting what he could do to stop Germany. That was a poor mistake on his part. However, it is possible and likely that Havertz would have still scored.

Afterward, the NYCFC player made two saves that he should have made. The first was an easy one, where Jamal Musiala had a lackluster shot in the center of the goal. The next one required him to get the stop at the bottom-right corner from Felix Nmecha's shot.

But afterward, Germany scored a goal that was bad luck for Freese. This is something he has seen too many times with NYCFC in 2026. Leroy Sané swept the ball on the ground in the 57th minute, and it was unfortunately slightly deflected. The keeper went in the right direction and had his arm outstretched. But the deflection led to Germany's second goal. Moreover, the backline fell asleep at that moment.

Later on in the second half, Freese had a good moment where he put himself on the line to gobble up the ball in the box. There was a collision, but he was okay. It somewhat reminded people that he is willing to do anything to try to protect the goal.

Throughout the game, the NYCFC keeper had solid moments when he smartly came out to clear the ball. He also had stops that did not count as saves.

Unfortunately, the mixed performance leaves Freese in jeopardy of not playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In complete honesty, if Turner was in this position, then the same things and concerns would be spoken about. But it is difficult to see either one being better for the USMNT, for Freese has been the constant starter over the last year, while Turner has been a little better in club play. And all of the goalkeepers have been criticized.

Nevertheless, no matter what, NYCFC fans are proud of Freese and the fact that he made the roster for the World Cup. It is just a shame that he did not declare to the world that he is the guaranteed starter.

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