Matt Freese should earn more USMNT call-ups as he continues to shine for NYCFC | OneFootball

Over the weekend, New York City FC played an abysmal offensive match that saw them dominate most of the possession and shots. However, the Pigeons struggled to be threatening in the attack. They did not get a shot on target until the 77th minute and scored too late to make any difference, for they lost 2-1.

While Matt Freese gave up two goals, one goal was superbly taken that would be difficult for anyone to save and the second was a bad-luck deflection. Otherwise, NYCFC's 2024 MVP played a great game, keeping the Pigeons in the match. He had seven saves, continuing another solid year so far.

Matt Freese should be called up by the USMNT

Some might wonder whether there will be a lot of interest in Freese overseas over the next year or two. Some unfound rumors began in the offseason, but there is nothing concrete there. There is a higher possibility of him getting another call-up with the USMNT, for he was called up for the January camp. Freese did not make an appearance, but at least he was at the training camp.

After his superb 2024 and the fact that the goalkeeper is still performing well in 2025, there is an argument that Freese should be called up more to the USMNT. For starters, he plays regularly with NYCFC, whereas some of the national team goalkeepers do not have this luxury, including the first-choice keeper, Matt Turner. It does appear Mauricio Pochettino is willing to call up Major League Soccer players who play regularly, and this was seen over the last few international widows.

Meanwhile, Tom Bogert reported that the USMNT goalkeeper coach, Toni Jimenez, was at Sunday's match to watch Freese. This shows that the national team sees something in the keeper and has an interest. Otherwise, nobody from the US coaching staff would have been at the game.

The NYCFC player, after seven MLS games, is fourth in saves. He is in the middle of the table for save percentage, which truthfully can be blamed on other teammates. If one were to take away at least two of the goals allowed in the Atlanta United FC loss and the deflected one from over the weekend, then Freese would be in a better spot with goals allowed too.

However, when looking at the 2024 stats, he was in fourth place in the save percentage and third in saves during the regular season. As such, with many more matches to be played, the focus should be on his 2024 campaign and the individual brilliance in 2025.

Still, besides the team's struggles, Freese has been incredible and vital to NYCFC. He often plays his best when others do not. It is time for the goalkeeper to receive more call-ups to the USMNT. It is time for his chance.