“Next One Is the Only One That Matters”: Matt Freese, Pochettino, and a Unified USMNT Eye Gold Cup Glory

Goalkeeper Matt Freese Praises Team Chemistry and Mauricio Pochettino’s Impact Ahead of Gold Cup Final vs Mexico

As the USMNT gears up for yet another showdown with Mexico in the Gold Cup final, one message is echoing through the locker room, whispered in moments of tension and roared in moments of triumph: “The next one is the only one that matters.”

Those words, delivered by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, have become a guiding mantra for this young, ambitious U.S. squad. And no one has embraced it more than goalkeeper Matt Freese, who has emerged as one of the quiet revelations of this tournament—not just with his shot-stopping, but with his leadership and poise under pressure.

A Gold Cup Journey Built on Chemistry

United States v Costa Rica – Gold Cup 2025: Quarter Finals

Speaking ahead of the final at NRG Stadium in Houston, where the U.S. will face their biggest rivals for the regional crown, Matt Freese reflected on what’s made this team special—and why they believe they can get it done when it matters most.

“We were all talking about it last night,” Matt Freese told The Overlap US. “And I was texting my high school friends too—just saying how good the vibes are with this group. It’s kind of surreal.”

For a squad with a relatively high number of first-time Gold Cup players, this cohesion wasn’t guaranteed. But being together for over a month, in hotel rooms, training sessions, and long flights, has created something beyond tactics. It’s built trust.

“The chemistry has come really naturally,” Matt Freese explained. “It’s not been forced. These are authentic relationships that have formed. And that’s been one of our goals this summer—not just to win the trophy but to become a real team. To actually gel.”

It’s easy to say that in a press conference. But what makes it believable is how Matt Freese says it—not like a rehearsed quote, but like a guy who genuinely can’t wait to go out on the pitch again with this group of guys.

A Swift Rebound After Switzerland

Not all moments this summer have been smooth sailing. The lead-up to the tournament saw the USMNT suffer a humbling defeat to Switzerland in a pre-tournament friendly, a game that many fans and pundits viewed as a red flag.

But Matt Freese insists that loss was a turning point, not a setback.

“Yeah, that one stung,” he admitted. “It was tough for all of us. But the message in the dressing room afterward was clear—we move forward. You can’t dwell on a friendly when you’ve got a tournament on the horizon.”

He credits that mindset directly to Pochettino, who brought a clear and calm approach in the aftermath.

“He didn’t let us sulk,” Matt Freese said. “He just said, ‘The next one’s what matters. Let’s fix what we need to fix and focus on the next challenge.’ That flipped the switch for us.”

Matt Freese: The Unexpected Star Between the Posts

Coming into the tournament, Matt Freese wasn’t necessarily the name on everyone’s lips. A solid presence for New York City FC, he wasn’t widely viewed as a lock for the starting job.

Five games later, he’s not only cemented his role but arguably become one of the team’s most important players. Cool under pressure, vocal in organizing the backline, and clutch when it counts—Freese has earned every minute.

“Honestly, I just wanted to take the opportunity and make the most of it,” he said. “I didn’t come here thinking I was the guy. But the staff believed in me, and the team’s been amazing with their support.”

And when you ask him what’s behind that sudden boost in confidence, he circles right back to Pochettino.

“He’s amazing to work with,” Matt Freese said. “Very personable. Very honest. You always know where you stand with him, but he also demands a lot—and I think that’s what we need. He pushes us, but he also believes in us.”

The Pochettino Effect

The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as USMNT head coach surprised some, thrilled others, and raised a fair number of eyebrows around the global soccer scene. But if the Gold Cup has shown anything, it’s that his presence has already made a huge difference.

“He’s always forward-thinking,” said Matt Freese. “Whenever a mistake happens—whether it’s in training or a match—he immediately wants us to shift focus to the next moment. That’s where the ‘next one is the only one that matters’ line comes from. And it’s really stuck with us.”

It’s not just a soundbite, either. The mantra has helped the U.S. weather some dicey moments—narrow wins, tough opponents, injury concerns—and keep their eyes firmly on the goal ahead.

“We’re a different team from when the tournament started,” Matt Freese added. “And a big part of that is down to his leadership and the culture he’s building here.”

A Rivalry Renewed: USMNT vs Mexico

There’s nothing quite like USA vs. Mexico in the Gold Cup. The rivalry is storied, heated, and fiercely competitive. And it’s one that Matt Freese, like many in the squad, has grown up watching.

“Of course I’ve watched the finals in the past—those games where it’s edge-of-your-seat, full of emotion, intensity, chaos. Now to be a part of one? It’s honestly an honor.”

The 2025 edition promises to be no different. Mexico have also impressed in the tournament, and their road to the final has seen them grow in confidence, much like the U.S. That makes for a tantalizing matchup on Sunday night in Houston.

“It’s the kind of game you dream about,” Matt Freese said. “But we know we’ve still got work to do. We’ve got to play our football, stick to what we’ve been doing, and just remember: the next one is the only one that matters.”

What’s at Stake

Beyond the trophy and bragging rights, this Gold Cup final feels like a launchpad for something bigger. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching—and set to be co-hosted by the United States—this young USMNT squad is looking to build real momentum.

And if Sunday goes their way, they’ll have done more than win a tournament. They’ll have announced themselves as a genuine force, built on unity, resilience, and a shared belief in something larger than themselves.

Final Word

The vibes might be high. The group might be gelling. But come kickoff on Sunday, it’s about more than feelings—it’s about execution.

And if Matt Freese has anything to say about it, the message will remain the same, no matter the stakes:

“The next one is the only one that matters.”

With that mindset, with this coach, and with a team that truly believes in each other, the USMNT is ready.