USMNT goalkeeper Freese hails Pochettino’s impact

USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese believes the atmosphere inside the United States men’s national team camp is the best he has experienced, and he credits both the players’ commitment and Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership for the surge into Sunday’s CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Mexico in Houston.

USMNT goalkeeper Freese on Unbreakable Team Spirit

Five and a half weeks in the same hotel could test any squad’s patience, yet this youthful U.S. roster has turned prolonged confinement into a bonding exercise. Freese, who has started all five tournament matches, says late-night card games, video sessions, and shared off-day workouts have fostered genuine friendships.
“Everyone walked in knowing chemistry was almost as important as lifting the trophy,” he explained in a chat with The Overlap US. “We talked about it every night—being brothers first, footballers second. That’s made training sharper and, on matchdays, mistakes disappear faster because we trust one another.”

Pochettino Sets The Tone

The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss arrived with a reputation for demanding fitness and clear tactical frameworks, and according to the USMNT goalkeeper those qualities have transformed a previously inconsistent side.
“Coach is personable and brutally honest,” Freese noted. “He’ll laugh with you at breakfast, then drill you for 90 minutes on the field. That balance of trust and demand is exactly what this group of hungry players needs.”
Pochettino’s mantra—“the next one is the only one that matters”—echoes through every training exercise. Players are encouraged to forget errors instantly and focus on the next pass, save, or run. The attitude, Freese says, “makes us fearless.”

From Switzerland Setback to Gold Cup Surge

A 3-0 friendly defeat to Switzerland three days before the tournament might have derailed confidence. Instead, it became a catalyst. “We had no time to sulk,” Freese recalled. “Poch told us, ‘Tournament football starts now. Learn and move on.’ Within 48 hours we were dissecting film, then polishing pressing triggers that have since suffocated opponents.”
The results back him up. The U.S. conceded just twice in group play, ousted Costa Rica on penalties in the quarter-final, and controlled possession versus Canada in the semi-final. Freese’s reflex stop from Jonathan David’s header headlines an individual highlight reel that has scouts watching.

Why Chemistry Could Decide the Final

Mexico, riding their own wave after a managerial change, traditionally relish spoiling American parties in Texas. Yet Freese insists the U.S. locker room’s unity offers an edge. “When you step out with 22 guys you’d fight for, pressure feels lighter,” he said.
That cohesion shows in numbers: the U.S. have completed more passes under pressure than any Gold Cup side, while 10 different players have contributed a goal or assist. “Shared responsibility,” says the USMNT goalkeeper, “means Mexico can’t key on one star.”

Freese’s Rise Between the Sticks

At 25, the NYCFC shot-stopper waited patiently behind veterans Zack Steffen and Matt Turner. A winter loan move to Europe fell through, but Pochettino’s clean-slate policy opened the door. Five games later, Freese leads the tournament in saves (19) and save percentage (86%). “Opportunity met preparation,” he smiled. “Coach trusted me, so I had to reward that faith.”
Teammates echo the sentiment. Center-back Miles Robinson calls Freese “the calm in our storm,” while full-back DeJuan Jones praises his distribution. Modern metrics support them: Freese’s 91% short-pass accuracy jump-starts the U.S. press.

Mexico Await: A Classic Rivalry

Sunday’s showdown at NRG Stadium is the nations’ eighth Gold Cup final meeting. Mexico hold a 5-2 edge, but recent momentum favors the Stars and Stripes, who won the 2021 and 2023 editions. Pochettino has drilled rehearsed defensive restarts to combat El Tri’s set-piece threat and instructed wingers Cade Cowell and Kevin Paredes to exploit space behind full-backs.
Freese expects an intense evening. “Derbies define careers. Winning in Houston would validate everything we’ve built.”

USMNT goalkeeper Outlook Beyond Houston

Regardless of Sunday’s result, the USMNT goalkeeper sees long-term value in the tournament. “Experience under Pochettino prepares us for World Cup qualifiers and the 2026 home World Cup,” he said. “If we keep this vibe, the ceiling is sky-high.”
He also believes competition will intensify. Steffen and Turner remain in the picture, and youngsters Patrick Schulte and Drake Callender are pushing hard. “Healthy rivalry only helps the national team,” Freese insisted. “For now my job is simple: keep the net quiet against Mexico.”

The Bigger Picture

U.S. Soccer hired Pochettino to modernize strategy and improve talent pathways. Early signs are promising: vertical, pressing football has replaced reactive defending, and the average age of the current roster is 23.7. A trophy on Sunday would add credibility and strengthen belief ahead of September Nations League fixtures.
Analysts point to increased game management as the key shift. Against Canada, the Americans slowed tempo during a 10-minute spell of pressure, then struck on the counter—something prior sides struggled with. “We’re learning nuance,” said Freese. “Not every game is a track meet.”

Stat Pack

• 3 clean sheets in 5 matches for Freese
• 62.4% possession average—highest in the competition
• 0.76 expected goals against per match, best defensive mark
• 14 different players with at least 90 tournament minutes

What’s Next?

Kick-off against Mexico is set for 7 p.m. ET, with an expected sell-out crowd of 72,000. Should the U.S. prevail, a celebratory parade through downtown Houston is slated for Monday morning before players return to clubs. Pochettino will then name a tightened 26-man squad for September camps, and Freese hopes to retain his No. 1 jersey.

Opinion: Chemistry Over Talent

Some finals hinge on superstar moments; this one could turn on collective belief. Mexico may boast individual flair, but the U.S. unity cultivated under Pochettino—and embodied by their vocal USMNT goalkeeper—feels decisive. If Freese’s gloves stay hot and the locker room stays tight, a third straight Gold Cup crown is within reach.