Matt Freese, 27, is not the typical goalkeeper. He graduated from Harvard in economics, and while others studied tactics on the field, he wrote a research project on penalties. His father, Dr. Andrew Freese, was a neurosurgeon and a pioneer in gene therapy until he passed away in 2021. His aunt Katherine studies dark matter as an astrophysicist at the University of Texas.
Matt signed as a professional in 2018, left Harvard before finishing, and completed his studies online during the pandemic. Today he plays for New York City FC and is the starting goalkeeper for the United States at the 2026 World Cup hosted at home.
At the 2025 Gold Cup, he saved three penalties in the shootout against Costa Rica. He will wear jersey 24 in honor of Tim Howard. Science, family, and soccer, all in the same goal. 🧠🧤⚽