Matt Freese left Harvard early, but his education continues.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper has continued to prepare, even as he’s waited for his chances throughout his career. First, a trade from the Philadelphia Union to New York City FC ahead of the 2023 season paved the way for him to become an MLS starter. Then this summer, he earned an opportunity to play for the US men's national team , starting in the Concacaf Gold Cup and backstopping the team to a runner-up finish.

Now, Freese is competing to start for the USMNT on home soil at the FIFA 2026 World Cup .

For outsiders, the breakthrough seemed to come out of nowhere. But to those around Freese, who watch him pursue improvement both physically and mentally, they see these opportunities as just rewards.

“When you actually

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