- Freese describes "disbelief" among players
- Reveals emotionally charged atmosphere
- Highlights positive team chemistry during tournament
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese detailed the emotional aftermath of the team’s 2-1 Gold Cup final loss to regional rival Mexico, describing the immediate reaction as one of disbelief and anger. The New York City FC goalkeeper said that the USMNT entered the match confident after winning five straight to reach the final.
“It was tough,” Freese said on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast. “There’s not much to say about it honestly, just because like you’re sitting there, you kind of feel numb. It’s kind of like a disbelief type of thing. And especially the way the summer was going with the vibes that we had on the team. The camaraderie that we’ve got on the team, we felt like, it’s got to be a win, right? Like, it’s got to end positively.
“We fell short, that’s on us. But I mean yeah we’re sitting there, we saw them go up on the stage. And I was pissed, man. Like I was really mad and a little bit numb inside. Just didn’t really say much, you know,. I was pretty silent and then we get to the locker room. It’s also silent in there and a lot of anger, but also a lot of sadness and just disappointment in ourselves.”
The goalkeeper highlighted coach coach Mauricio Pochettino’s emotional post-match address.
“Mauricio gets in there, honestly, he gave a fantastic speech,” Freese said. “It was really emotional, very raw. But It was one of those speeches that, like, you kind of like turn around after and you’re like, ‘Damn, we did become a team this summer.’ Yeah, you know we we’re proud of each other – not ultimately proud because we didn’t win the final. But you know, proud of what we did kind of off the field.”
Freese admits that there were questions about the squad entering the tournament, but says the team bonded over the six games – a stretch in which he started all the matches in goal.
“There were a lot of questions going into the summer. I mean, you know, I was kind of on the outside looking in at the beginning before the summer starts,” he said. “Just think about like, you know, 45 days in a hotel straight together? And you know, we weren’t sick of each other. And I don’t know if that ever happened. We wanted to like keep hanging out after the game.
“And, you know, we were like, ‘Damn, like we’re gonna miss each other.’ It was a really special group that we had in terms of, the chemistry that we built… and it’s I think it was a great step. Again you know, it was my first real experience with that type of stuff. So I don’t know what it typically is like. But it was a group that really grew together off the field and I think that was a very important part of the summer, as well.”
Despite the disappointing final, the goalkeeper emphasized significant progress in team chemistry and cohesion throughout the competition.
Matt Freese has since returned to New York City FC, playing three games. His club face Nashville SC on Aug. 17.
