Matt Freese disaster hands Belgium 2-goal lead as goalkeeper's calamitous lapse in judgement proves costly

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Matt Freese disaster hands Belgium 2-goal lead as goalkeeper's calamitous lapse in judgement proves costly originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The United States' match against Belgium was tough from the start, but it got even tougher on a crucial play in the second half.

Belgium scored its third goal early in the half when there was a misplay and miscommunication on the USMNT's defensive end. At the center of the misplay was goalie Matt Freese, who had his worst play of the tournament at the wrong time.

Here's what happened as Belgium took a two-goal lead.

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What did Matt Freese do?​

Belgium took a 3-1 lead as goalie Matt Freese misplayed a ball in the open field. A defender Belgium sent a ball down the field and Freese came out of the net to try and clear the ball. However, Freese miskicked and hti the ground first, keeping the ball in place and allowing Belgium to regain control.

As a result, Belgium scored a deep goal with U.S. defender Tim Ream as the lone defender in the net.

Belgium finds a third pic.twitter.com/0m1Hu4qzwR

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026

The goal was the first of the second quarter and meant that the USMNT was down two goals and facing a steep hill to climb.

MORE: USMNT player ratings vs. Belgium

Matt Freese USMNT stats​

Freese has played for the United States since last year, appearing in 18 matches leading into Monday night's match vs. Belgium. Here are his stats in those games:

• Matches: 18
• Goals allowed: 19
• Saves: 21
• Shots on target against: 28

Matt Freese stats​

Freese has been the USMNT's primary goaltender during the World Cup, starting three matches and allowing just one goal on six shots leading into Monday's match.

Matt Freese club​

Freese plays for NYCFC in Major League Soccer, as he has spent the last four seasons playing for the club. Previously, Freese played for the Philadelphia Union in the MLS and a few teams in the USL Championship league.

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