Despite an encouraging performance in a 2-1 loss to Germany, questions remain about the United States' goalkeeping situation ahead of the World Cup.
There were plenty of bright spots for the United States men’s national team in their 2-1 loss to No. 10-ranked Germany on Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago: Antonee Robinson's wonder strike, Christian Pulisic's confidence and the play from the fullbacks.
Freese got the starting nod in goal against Germany after Turner started the first half of the United States' friendly against Senegal on Sunday. For many, Freese's selection in Saturday's squad was a sign of his standing in Maurico Pochettino's pecking order, but for Alexi Lalas, Freese still has something to prove.
"The second goal from Germany, again, was a letdown," Lalas said on his"State of the Union" podcast. "I want to be fair, there was a little bit of a deflection on the shot, but it just goes back to Matt Freese has yet to make the save he shouldn't make, and there are plenty of big-time goalkeepers in the world that would find a way to make that save. " Matt Turner had two saves in 90 minutes against Germany.
Lalas' criticism was not limited to Germany's second goal. The former U.S. international also placed much of the blame for Kai Havertz's opening strike on Freese, arguing that the goalkeeper failed to take command of his penalty area.
With the United States deploying a high defensive line while defending the set piece, Lalas believes Freese needed to be far more aggressive in coming off his line and dealing with the danger before Havertz could capitalize.
"I think the majority of this blame goes on Matt Freese," Lalas said. "It used to drive me crazy when coaches and goalkeepers would want you as high as possible, and I would say fine, but recognize that you are putting me at a huge disadvantage in terms of meeting the ball and being goalside of my attacker.
"If you are going to create what amounts to a 10-15 yard space, your goalkeeper damn well better come out and clean house, and that is certainly not what Matt Freese did on this. You are left as defenders having to retreat and then get goalside.
" The goalkeeping position remains one of the biggest question marks for the United States heading into the World Cup. Matt Turner has struggled to build on the momentum he gained from his strong performances at the 2022 World Cup, despite putting together a solid season with the New England Revolution.
Meanwhile, Freese has established himself as the current No. 1, but he has yet to fully cement the role with consistently standout performances. Unlike previous generations, when the United States could call upon multiple elite goalkeepers, the current pool lacks the same level of proven international talent.
As a result, the competition between Freese and Turner remains open heading into the tournament. Mauricio Pochettino played three different goalkeepers in the last two matches. Despite his criticism, Lalas still expects Freese to start the United States' World Cup opener against Paraguay next Friday. He also suggested that the lineup used against Germany is likely close to the team Mauricio Pochettino will deploy, with the exception of Miles Robinson.
"I'm not saying that Matt Turner is going to start," Lalas continued. "I still think it's Matt Freese. Matt Freese is going to have to step up his game as the World Cup happens here next week. Again, make that save where you go, 'Wow, I didn't know he had it in him.
' We haven't seen any of those moments from Matt Freese other than saving penalties. Which is wonderful, but who knows when we're going to get to penalties?
"FOX SPORTS™, SPEED™, SPEED. COM™ & © 2026 Fox Media LLC and Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Use of this website constitutes your acceptance of these
Please follow us on Google to support us United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Germany’s first F-35 gets engine installed, moves closer to deliveryGermany's first F-35 has received its engine, moving the stealth fighter closer to flight testing and delivery.
Read more »
Matt Damon's Luxury Real Estate Portfolio: From Miami Beach to New YorkExplore Matt Damon's impressive property portfolio spanning from Los Angeles to New York, including a recent look at a $40,000-a-night private residence at Aman New York. The article covers his career achievements, business ventures, philanthropy, and high-value assets like a Bombardier Global 7500 jet, with a focus on his real estate investments over the years.
Read more »
Inside USA Goalkeepers' Healthy Competition To Be The World Cup StarterU.S. goalkeepers have healthy competition, even though all signs point to Matt Freese as the World Cup starter.
Read more »
Matt Damon Advocates for Pet Adoption in Heartwarming Eastwood Ranch VisitActor Matt Damon visited Eastwood Ranch Rescue in Agoura Hills, California, to raise awareness about pet adoption. He interacted with several dogs, including a puppy named JoJo and a blind, partially deaf dog named Piper, and highlighted the rescue's work in saving dogs from kill shelters. The focus of his visit was Betsy, a shy but gentle pitbull who has been at the ranch for a year and a half. Damon emphasized the importance of finding permanent homes for long-term shelter residents, noting his wife's support for adding to their pet family. He also discussed the challenges faced by certain breeds like pitbulls in getting adopted. The actor's playful 'dream date' with Betsy aimed to showcase her loving nature and encourage adoption.
Read more »