Under pressure: NYCFC's Matt Freese signals urgent need for defensive support | OneFootball

New York City sits in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings in Major League Soccer, with a 3-4-3 record and 12 points. The Boys in Blue have been fighting to prove that they are contenders for the MLS Cup. However, as of late, excluding their U.S. Open Cup matches, including the recent 3-1 win against the New York Red Bulls, they have not been in great form.

Trouble with communication, organization, and awareness of their defensive backline is starting to hinder any progress that the club hopes to make. One of the players who is visibly aggravated by NYCFC’s lackluster defense is goalkeeper Matt Freese.

Freese has made a name for himself as the Pigeons’ go-to shot stopper since the end of 2023 because of his innate ability and keen goalkeeper sense, which have allowed him to make memorable saves and even elevated him to earning a spot with the United States men’s national team. Recently, he has not been pleased with the team breaking down defensively in matches that they should be clearly winning and running away with.

Matt Freese and NYCFC need help

NYCFC should look ahead to the secondary transfer window (July 13-September 2) to give Freese and the backline some much-needed assistance, especially when matching up against teams like Charlotte FC, Inter Miami CF, and Nashville SC. The Pigeons need help against teams that control the game with great pace and pick apart their opponent in their final third.

Some names that immediately come to mind that could be key pieces in Head Coach Pascal Jansen’s matchday squads are San Diego FC center-back Christopher McVey, Chicago Fire FC center-back Jack Elliott, and free agent winger/right back Brooks Lennon. These names would provide help for NYCFC to hold their ground, especially during tight matches. Of course, the first two defenders' clubs would unlikely let them go via a trade, and Lennon is still without a team and would likely want to sign where he can start.

NYCFC also must consider allowing Freese to rest here and there with a crazy schedule, especially when it is busy. Remember, the Pigeons have three other goalkeepers in Greg Ranjitsingh, Tomás Romero, and Mac Learned. The latter keeper, despite his interesting signing, is off the roster for this season.

With the possibility of Freese being the starting goalkeeper at the World Cup, letting the second-choice goalkeeper, in which Romero seems to be the choice, start some more matches might help the starter preserve his body. It is vital that Freese can play healthy and at a high level all season long.

With this recent U.S. Open Cup win under their belt, hopefully, the club considers practical ways to provide their squad with immediate defensive help as the long season continues to roll along. Supporters will be watching as NYCFC continues to fight their way toward another postseason and possibly another MLS Cup.