New York City FC's roster looked thin when MLS paused for the World Cup, but a big new signing, returning loanees, injury recoveries, and multiple other rumored transfer targets paint a promising picture for the season's second half.
Freese played at an All-Star level for years in MLS, but his first time on the roster arrives right as he's dealing with the aftermath of his mistake against Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16.
Gotham is officially moving into Etihad Park alongside New York City FC for the 2028 season, and the move brings with it multiple potential upsides for the two-time NWSL Champions.
Freese said his error leading to Belgium's third goal "stings more than probably any other moment in my life," but his solid track record for his country and at club level shouldn't be forgotten.
The United States flopped in the World Cup's Round of 16 in Seattle, losing 4-1 to a motivated Belgium side on what was a mistake-filled night for the Americans that included a costly gaffe in goal by Matt Freese.
Both New York City FC players, O'Neill and debutant Kai Trewin alike, contributed for Australia in their penalty-kick loss to Egypt, but O'Neill consistently shined in the Socceroos' midfield throughout the World Cup.
Freese helped send the United States into the World Cup's Round of 16, doing his part by remaining mistake-free and smartly managing the game while the USMNT played down a man in a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The verdict on Bénie Traoré becoming NYCFC's next big attacking signing, what to make of the club's efforts to sign Christian Pulisic, and what could be in store for the USMNT in the World Cup knockout rounds.
An in-depth look at NYCFC's new Designated Player, including a retracing of Traoré's journey from Côte d'Ivoire to New York, and an analysis of how the pacey, prolific attacker will fit into Pascal Jansen's squad.
Even if the move currently looks like a long shot, there are many reasons, on the field and off, why New York City FC is right to go all out to try to sign Christian Pulisic away from AC Milan.
At the World Cup fan zone in Queens, the NYCFC defender and Bronx native discussed how the tournament opens local people's eyes to soccer's global dominance, and what it's like rooting for (and maybe against) teammates past and present.
Spirits are high after the United States beat Australia and topped World Cup Group D. Also, what we make of James Sands returning to NYCFC, and rumors that FC Basel's Bénie Traoré might become the club's next Designated Player.
A relatively simple afternoon for Matt Freese and the victorious United States, while Aiden O'Neill and Australia had a tougher time in the midfield in the 2-0 USMNT win in Seattle.
American pundits have looked down on the Socceroos since the World Cup draw, but USMNT and Australia players haven't engaged, instead anticipating an even, tough match when the sides meet in Seattle.
The importance of that 4-1 USMNT win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, what we make of the rumor linking Christian Pulisic with interest from City Football Group, and the good and bad of fan travel to Metlife Stadium for the World Cup.
What each of Matt Freese, Kai Trewin, and Aiden O'Neill will be hoping to accomplish for their national teams as play in Group D, home to both the United States and Australia, begins.
