He’s a Harvard grad who comes from a family of scientists. He’s also the goalie who might lead the U.S. to World Cup glory.

World CupHe’s a Harvard grad who comes from a family of scientists. He’s also the goalie who might lead the U.S. to World Cup glory.Matt Freese once wrote a college research project on penalty kicks. Now he’s competing to be the starting goalie for the U.S. men’s national team at this summer’s World Cup. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Leila Register / NBC News; Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 2, 2026, 6:30 AM EDTBy Tim RohanWhen Matt Freese was about 10 years old, he set out to solve a problem that existed entirely in his own head. He wanted to be a soccer goalie, but there was another boy his age in the area who was considered better. “He could dive and just fully get airborne,” Freese said.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Freese was already training in the backyard with his brother, facing upward of 400 shots a night, until they both went inside muddy. But his dives weren’t good enough. He went to his bedroom, where he had a twin bed on a wooden frame, and started launching himself onto the mattress, his arms outstretched, pretending to catch an invisible ball. He had to lift his feet and get as high as possible, or he’d smash his shins on the frame.“Maybe that’s why my bed broke,” Freese said.Freese might catapult onto the global stage this summer, too. He’s competing with Matt Turner to be the starting goalie for the U.S. national team at the World Cup. Freese joined the roster only 17 months ago as a relative unknown. Now he’s pushing Turner, the incumbent, and many expect him to win the job, which would make him one of the faces of the team. Matt Freese signs autographs for fans in Chester, Pa., on Nov. 15. Ira L. Black/USSF / Getty ImagesHow did Freese do it? By scraping his way through the college and professional ranks and continuing to improve, channeling the same energy he had as a young boy leaping onto his bed. “I just continue to remind myself,” Freese t...