NYCFC news roundup: Matt Freese comes in second, U-17 World Cup, and more

The MLS Cup Playoffs are in full swing, and New York City FC will play tonight in the final match of the Round One Best-of-3 series. The season could end, or the Pigeons could grab another shocking result by beating Charlotte FC on the road for the second time in a row. If that does happen, then the Bronx side would play the Philadelphia Union in the next round. But of course, it is important to take it one game at a time.

Meanwhile, there are some stories to cover. Here is another NYCFC news roundup that includes the Goalkeeper of the Year awards and more.

Matt Freese is not the Goalkeeper of the Year

Earlier this week, Major League Soccer announced that Minnesota United FC's Dayne St. Clair is the 2025 Goalkeeper of the Year. As such, Matt Freese did not win the honor. Instead, he came in second place. The media vote ultimately swung things in St. Clair's direction.

It was still an honor that Freese was nominated, especially since he arguably had a better season last year when he was not nominated. Plus, St. Clair was one of the goalkeepers who deserved the award. In the end, it is okay that the NYCFC keeper did not win. However, it would have been great if he had.

NYCFC at the U-17 World Cup

Two NYCFC players are participating in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Máximo Carrizo is with the USMNT U-17, and Zidane Yáñez, who is off the first team roster this year, is with the Chile U-17 squad.

So far, both teams have played one match in the group round. Carrizo started and captained the US to a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso. Then, Yáñez came off the bench in the 68th minute in Chile's 2-0 loss to France. Hopefully, both players will continue to make appearances, for this is a great experience for them.

Kevin O'Toole's first international call-up

Congratulations are in order for Kevin O'Toole. The NYCFC defender recently received his first call-up to the Ireland National Team. This will be the first time he is with any national team, and he would likely accept being with Ireland due to the depth of the USMNT.

O'Toole is eligible through his paternal grandmother to play for Ireland. Whether he makes an appearance in the upcoming international window is yet to be seen, but this is a great accomplishment for the NYCFC left-back.