'He’s earned it' - USMNT icons Tim Howard and Landon Donovan applaud Matt Freese's new contract with New York City FC

Howard specifically highlighted the goalkeeper's national team trajectory, stating that Freese has as good a chance as any to be the starting goalkeeper at next year's World Cup.

“Congratulations, get paid, get paid bro," Howard said on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast. "That’s a nice long contract, and oh, by the way, he saved another penalty kick this weekend as well. Because, as he says, from his own mouth, 'it’s what he does,' which is incredible. So I’m starting to believe it’s what he does.

“Look, I’m glad he got paid, it’s actually the right time. I think he’s earned it, I think there’s a good chance, or as good a chance as any that he’ll be No. 1 at the World Cup. Smart by them [NYCFC] because if he then gets sold on or has a good World Cup or whatever the situation is, they’ll be compensated on the back end for that."

Howard pointed to the multiple advantages the contract extension creates for both Freese and NYCFC. The former USMNT goalkeeper noted how the long-term agreement provides Freese with stability moving forward in his career while simultaneously protecting the club's interests.

“For Matt, this’ll give him really good stability I’m guessing,” Howard explained. “I haven’t seen the exact numbers yet but it’ll give him good financial stability moving forward. And then again, protects the club because he’s on the rise, right? There’s not a ton of good goalkeepers out there in the world, and if he’s on the world stage playing and does well, people are going to be interested.”

Donovan also framed Freese's contract as evidence of MLS's positive development. The former Galaxy star expressed enthusiasm about how the league has transformed from its earlier iterations to now properly rewarding players who perform at a high level.

“I love this in MLS now...If a guy does well, you reward him and listen, it’s smart business by NYCFC," he said. “If he blows up, if he has a Tim Howard tournament or game like you did in 2014 against Belgium, like the world’s his oyster, and they can sell him for a lot of money. So it’s great for him...I’m just happy that a guy is getting rewarded in the right way, and kudos to NYCFC for taking care of a player who has been good to them.”

Freese and NYCFC will face Inter Miami on Wednesday night,  followed by a derby against New York Red Bulls on Sept. 27.