Matt Freese is an American goalkeeper for New York City FC and the United States men’s national team. Born on September 2, 1998, in Wayne, Pennsylvania, Freese is 28 years old and is currently listed at 6 feet 3 inches tall. After developing with the Philadelphia Union academy and playing college soccer at Harvard, he built his MLS career with Philadelphia before becoming NYCFC’s first-choice goalkeeper.
His profile rose considerably through the USMNT, particularly after his 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup performances and his role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he started four matches and recorded two clean sheets.
Quick Bio: Matt Freese
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Matt Freese |
| Date of Birth | September 2, 1998 |
| Age | 28 |
| Birthplace | Wayne, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’3″ |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Current Club | New York City FC |
| Club Number | 49 |
| National Team | United States |
| College | Harvard University |
| Parents | Late Dr. Andrew Freese and Marcia Freese |
| Relationship | Reportedly dating Kelsey Mentzer |
Current MLS and U.S. Soccer profiles confirm Freese’s age, height, position and club, while U.S. Soccer also documents his family and educational background.
How Old Is Matt Freese?
Matt Freese was born on September 2, 1998, which makes him 28 years old as of September 2026.
This matters because many profiles published during the 2026 World Cup still describe him as 27. Those articles were accurate at the time, but Freese celebrated his 28th birthday shortly after the tournament.
He grew up in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and developed as a goalkeeper through the Philadelphia Union academy before taking the college route at Harvard.
How Tall Is Matt Freese?
The current official MLS and U.S. Soccer profiles list Matt Freese at 6 feet 3 inches.
Older player listings have sometimes produced different measurements, which can create confusion when readers compare football databases. For a current profile, 6’3″ is the most appropriate figure because it is used by both MLS and U.S. Soccer.
His height is naturally useful for a goalkeeper, but Freese’s rise has depended on more than his frame. His penalty-saving ability, positioning and development with regular first-team football have become important parts of his reputation.
From Harvard to Professional Football
Freese’s path differs from that of many American professionals.
He came through the Philadelphia Union Academy before attending Harvard University from 2016 to 2018. U.S. Soccer notes that he earned Second Team All-Ivy recognition as a sophomore before leaving college early to pursue his professional career. Harvard Magazine has also highlighted his academic background and the strong scientific influence within his family.
Philadelphia signed him as a Homegrown player in December 2018.
Breaking into the starting lineup was difficult because the Union already had Andre Blake, one of Major League Soccer’s most established goalkeepers. Freese therefore had limited first-team opportunities, but the period gave him professional experience before a move opened a clearer path to regular football.
Why His Move to NYCFC Changed His Career
New York City FC acquired Freese from Philadelphia ahead of the 2023 MLS season.
The move eventually transformed his career. Freese developed into NYCFC’s first-choice goalkeeper and was named the club’s MVP for the 2024 season. He started all 34 regular-season matches that year and continued to establish himself as an important part of the team.
His performances also brought long-term security. NYCFC signed Freese to a contract extension running through the 2030 season in September 2025.
In 2026, he reached another milestone by earning his first MLS All-Star selection.
Matt Freese and the USMNT
Freese’s international breakthrough came quickly.
He made his senior United States debut against Türkiye on June 7, 2025. Soon afterward, he started all six U.S. matches at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.
One of his defining early international moments came against Costa Rica in the quarterfinal. Freese saved three penalties in the shootout, helping the United States advance.
His progress continued into the 2026 World Cup. Freese started the opening match against Paraguay and became the ninth goalkeeper to represent the USMNT at a men’s World Cup. U.S. Soccer also noted that he became the first active MLS goalkeeper to start for the United States at the tournament.
He ultimately started four World Cup matches and kept two clean sheets, including shutouts against Australia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
His international story is still active. U.S. Soccer’s September 2026 roster announcement listed Freese with 19 senior caps, confirming that he remained part of Mauricio Pochettino’s goalkeeper group after the World Cup.
Matt Freese’s Parents and Family
Freese comes from a family with an unusually strong academic and scientific background.
U.S. Soccer identifies his father as the late Dr. Andrew Freese, a neurosurgeon and researcher associated with pioneering gene-therapy work. His mother, Marcia Freese, has a background in healthcare management.
He also has three siblings: a sister, Lyssa, and brothers Jack and Tim. Several members of the wider Freese family have backgrounds in medicine, science and higher education.
Freese also holds German citizenship through his paternal heritage, according to U.S. Soccer. That documented family connection should not be confused with assumptions about his religion or ethnicity, neither of which needs to be inferred from his ancestry.
Who Is Matt Freese’s Girlfriend?
Recent 2026 reporting identifies Kelsey Mentzer as Matt Freese’s girlfriend. Reports indicate that the couple have been together since at least 2022, although they appear to keep much of their relationship outside the public spotlight.
There is no reliable basis to describe Mentzer as Freese’s wife. Articles discussing his personal life should therefore avoid turning a publicly reported relationship into claims about marriage or future plans.
Matt Freese Salary, Contract and Net Worth
Matt Freese’s financial information is clearer when discussing his MLS salary rather than speculative net-worth estimates.
The 2026 MLS Players Association Salary Guide lists Freese with an annualized base salary of $675,000 and average guaranteed compensation of $795,833. Guaranteed compensation and base salary are different accounting figures, so they should not be treated as interchangeable.
His NYCFC contract runs through 2030.
An exact Matt Freese net worth has not been publicly confirmed. Online estimates should therefore be treated cautiously rather than presented as verified personal wealth.
Why Does Matt Freese Wear Number 49?
Freese wears No. 49 for New York City FC, a number that has become closely associated with him during his rise in MLS.
Rather than being a random squad number, reporting around Freese has connected No. 49 to his maternal grandfather, adding a personal element to one of the most recognizable details of his NYCFC profile.
Conclusion
Matt Freese’s rise has been unusually rapid at international level, but it was built on years of development at Philadelphia, Harvard and NYCFC. At 28, with a long-term club contract and a World Cup already on his résumé, he remains a significant figure in the United States goalkeeper picture.
FAQs
What team does Matt Freese play for?
Matt Freese plays goalkeeper for New York City FC in Major League Soccer. He joined NYCFC from the Philadelphia Union ahead of the 2023 season.
How old is Matt Freese?
He is 28 years old. Freese was born on September 2, 1998, in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
How tall is Matt Freese?
Current MLS and U.S. Soccer profiles list Matt Freese at 6 feet 3 inches tall.
Did Matt Freese go to Harvard?
Yes. Freese attended Harvard University from 2016 to 2018 and played for the Crimson before leaving early to pursue professional football.
Who are Matt Freese’s parents?
His parents are the late Dr. Andrew Freese and Marcia Freese. His family has a notable academic and scientific background.
What is Matt Freese’s salary?
The 2026 MLSPA Salary Guide lists his base salary at $675,000 and his guaranteed compensation at $795,833.
Is Matt Freese the USMNT goalkeeper?
Freese is part of the United States goalkeeper pool and started four matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He remained on the USMNT roster in September 2026, when U.S. Soccer listed him with 19 senior appearances.
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