Presumptive U.S. Men’s National Team starting goalkeeper Matt Freese gave American soccer fans a brief scare during New York City FC’s 1-0 road win over Charlotte FC on Wednesday night.
Freese, who has been the USMNT’s primary starter since last summer’s Gold Cup, came out to make a save attempt when he appeared to get clipped by Charlotte’s Pep Biel and his own defender, Raul Gustavo.
The 27-year-old NYCFC goalkeeper got up quickly, but he started to hobble as the play continued. And when the action finally stopped, Freese went to the ground in pain.
An NYCFC trainer came out to look at Freese, and after a few minutes, the goalie was back on his feet, opting to remain in the game.
Matt Freese of New York City FC walks off the field after their 1-0 win over Charlotte FC on May 13, 2026 in Charlotte, N.C. Getty Images Freese finished out the game, recording his second consecutive clean sheet in less than a week as NYCFC recorded its second straight win.
NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen said after the victory that he didn’t see the initial play, but at halftime, he could see a “massive scratch” on Freese’s shin.
“They got him pretty bad, but he’s a big boy. He’ll handle himself,” Jansen said.
New York City FC goalie Matt Freese reacts during the first half of their win over the Columbus Crew on May 10, 2026. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images When asked by The Post if there was any concern that it could impact Freese’s availability, Jansen said there were “no worries” and that the goalkeeper will “be fine.”
With less than a month until the United States plays its first match of the World Cup — a date with Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12 — U.S. fans will be watching with bated breath during the final weeks of the club seasons before the sport pauses for the tournament.
The USMNT has not announced its roster for the upcoming World Cup, but all signs point to Freese making the team.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino and U.S. Soccer will unveil the roster later this month during a special event in lower Manhattan.
