Noah Zimmerman
noah@queensledger.com
Matt Freese is making his return to New York City FC as they look ahead to their playoff push. (Photo: Noah Zimmerman, @n.z.media)
New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese is finally returning to the club following an impressive showing at the 2025 Gold Cup. The American shotstopper dazzled despite a loss to Mexico in the final, playing a big role in their path to the cup-deciding match.
In the quarterfinals, the tournament hosts were unable to fend off Costa Rica in regulation, conceding a 71st minute equalizer. In the resulting penalty shootout, it was Freese making a statement to send the Americans through to the semis.
The only penalty he didn’t get a hand to against Costa Rica came from his NYC teammate Alonso Martinez. The top scorer for the Boys in Blue winked at his ally-turned-foe before sending his shot down the middle.
Freese made stops on the second and fifth shots, getting a hand to the third and fourth. Legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas answered with a save of his own on John Tolkin to extend the match.
By this point, Freese was in the zone. The whole stadium knew what was coming and sure enough he made a definitive stop with Damion Downs converting the winning kick for the US.
Against Gold Cup semifinal debutants Guatemala, Freese was able to see out an early 2-goal cushion. He made four saves, only allowing a goal in the 80th minute against an enthused opponent.
Freese was busy between the posts in the Cup Final against Mexico. He was able to stop 6 of the 8 shots on target, but couldnít do much on the two goals from Raul Jimenez and Edson Alvarez.
NYC’s goalkeeper will return for a pivotal stretch of the season. With 14 matches and the Leagues Cup remaining, Freese will look to help the Boys in Blue clinch a postseason berth and earn more silverware.
