Goalkeeper Matt Freese stated that a costly mistake during the U.S. men's national team's World Cup Round of 16 loss to Belgium will serve as motivation for his future career. Freese, speaking to The Post a week after the 4-1 defeat, acknowledged the disappointment of the early exit but highlighted the positive impact the team had on inspiring new soccer fans in the United States.
"It was super incredible and obviously it was a difficult period of time," Freese said. "It still is something you think about, and to have that makes you proud of the impact you hopefully had."
Freese described the World Cup experience as an "honor" and expressed a desire to return in four years to build on the team's progress. He believes the U.S. Men's National Team program is on an upward trajectory, citing a "federation that believes and is hungry within that belief to make something special happen and get to the next level."
Regarding his own performance, Freese called the mistake that led to Belgium's third goal a "moment that will live with me and be part of me and motivate me and not define my career." He aims to use both positive and negative experiences to "work harder, to be better, and to find more of those good moments, and limit, and minimize, and get rid of the bad moments."
Back in New York, Freese is preparing for the MLS season with New York City FC. The league plans to leverage Freese's increased visibility following the World Cup as part of a marketing campaign. He has also been selected for the MLS All-Star game.
Freese, typically a private individual, stated his intention to embrace a role as an ambassador for the sport in the U.S. "My part will be a legitimate part of soccer continuing to grow in this league and in this country, and I have to recognize that," he said. "And I have to do my best to grow it well and represent the country and represent the league and New York City well."
His hope for a lasting World Cup legacy is not tied to a specific save or play, but rather to inspiring future players. "I'm hopeful that I inspired many players to continue playing this game and to work harder in the same way that I was inspired 20 years ago," Freese concluded.