Matt Freese Addresses Backlash After Error Put U.S. Down 3-1 to Belgium
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 15
Matt Freese Addresses Backlash After Error Put U.S. Down 3-1 to Belgium
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 15
Summary
Matt Freese said the backlash after his World Cup blunder "hurt" after his misplayed ball helped Belgium open a 3-1 lead in the U.S. round-of-16 loss.
The 27-year-old told ESPN the criticism was especially painful because he and his teammates had spent two years fixated on making the home World Cup run count.
Freese described the immediate aftermath as disbelief that the tournament was over, saying the squad was devastated to lose the shared experience with fans and teammates.
That elimination is now his motivation: Freese said he wants to return with New York City FC, use the pain as fuel, and target another World Cup shot in 2030.