'Mutual trust and the belief' - USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese signs five-year extension with NYCFC

There were reports in January that Freese was gaining interest from German and Dutch clubs, though no bids came through. This move ensures the keeper will remain in New York for the foreseeable future. 

Freese is one of MLS's elite goalkeepers, with 84 saves and a 71.9 save percentage. He is also the most recognizable face on New York's roster.

He was the third goalkeeper in the January camp for Pochettino and didn't play in either game that month. In June, however, Freese took advantage of the fact that both the Columbus Crew's Patrick Schulte and the Colorado Rapids' Zack Steffen were ruled out due to injury.

He got his first cap in the U.S. 2-1 loss to Turkey in a pre-Gold Cup friendly. He hasn't looked back since, starting in every game for the USMNT during their run to the Gold Cup final, and then also starting against both South Korea and Japan in September friendlies. 

NYCFC plans to open its highly anticipated new $780 million stadium in Queens, New York, in 2027. If the goalkeeper continues his trajectory, Etihad Park could feature the USMNT's No. 1 goalkeeper in its opener.

"It’s an exciting step for me to sign a long-term contract with New York City FC. The club has felt like my family, and the fans have taken me in and supported me so generously since the first day I joined,” Freese said in a statement. “It’s such an exciting time to play for New York City FC, from the League’s growth over the last decade to the club’s investment in a beautiful new home, Etihad Park."

He also said that his instant connection with manager Pascal Jansen played a role. 

"After meeting head coach Pascal Jansen in preseason and working with him for only one day, I immediately knew that extending my stay and learning under him was the right next step for my career and development," Freese said. “My extension shows a mutual trust and the belief that New York City has in me, and for that I’m both very grateful and excited.

"This contract extension will allow me to continue to dive into my career and development on the field and in the locker room. I’m looking forward to creating many more memories with the fans in the years to come.”

NYCFC sporting director David Lee stressed it was a top priority to secure the future of Freese as he enters his prime. 

“Matt’s contributions in 2024, during which he was recognized as our club MVP, underlined his importance to the team," Lee said in a statement. "This season, he has continued his remarkable growth and elevated his game with key contributions to one of the best defensive records in the league.

"His consistency and composure earned him a well-deserved U.S. men’s national team call-up, reflecting his individual growth and the caliber of his performances for New York City. As Matt enters the prime of his career, we’re excited to see how he continues to develop and contribute to the successes for both club and country.”

Freese has a career-high seven clean sheets across 25 MLS appearances this season. NYCFC are tied for third in MLS for fewest goals conceded. 

After locking in on Freese, NYCFC will now focus on the final stretch of the 2025 MLS Regular Season, with five matches remaining. It's a tricky road ahead for the team, as it faces Charlotte, Inter Miami, rivals New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia, and wrap up on Decision Day against the Seattle Sounders.