Former USMNT forward Herculez Gomez has criticized head coach Mauricio Pochettino`s goalkeeper selection for the ongoing Gold Cup, arguing that Matt Turner, not Matt Freese, should be the team`s starter. Freese has played in all three group stage matches, recording clean sheets in the first two but making a crucial error in the 2-1 win against Haiti.
Pochettino previously stated that Matt Turner is a well-known quantity and that the Gold Cup is being used to evaluate Matt Freese, a key goalkeeper for NYCFC in MLS. However, Gomez believes Turner, who has lacked playing time at his club, needs these tournament minutes to maintain his form.
Herculez Gomez`s Argument
Speaking on Futbol Americas, Gomez questioned the decision to start Freese. He argued that if the experienced Matt Turner`s primary need is playing time to sharpen his skills, the Gold Cup provides the ideal opportunity. Gomez suggested that Freese is realistically lower down the depth chart compared to other absent goalkeepers like Patrick Schulte and Zack Steffen.
“I do not, for the life of me, know why he is starting in these games,” Gomez stated. He speculated that Matt Turner might question his own presence at the Gold Cup, feeling he could be better served focusing on his club situation at Lyon, where he is competing for a starting spot.
Gomez highlighted Freese`s weak clearance against Haiti that directly led to their equalizing goal, calling it indicative of his current level. He stressed that such mistakes are unacceptable at the international level. Gomez reiterated his belief that if he were Matt Turner, he would feel unfairly treated by Pochettino, thinking, “Mauricio Pochettino is robbing me.” Gomez feels that despite any perceived shortcomings, Turner remains the best available option and needs the game time Freese is currently receiving.
Maurice Edu`s Counterpoint
Not everyone shares Gomez`s view. Former USMNT player Maurice Edu defended the decision to start Freese. On Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union podcast, Edu argued that if the goal is to learn about other goalkeepers beyond the established Matt Turner, allowing Freese to play, even through mistakes, is beneficial.
Edu suggested that Freese making an error provides a crucial test of his character and ability to bounce back. He argued that keeping Freese in the lineup for the upcoming quarterfinal against Costa Rica would offer a valuable opportunity to see how the young goalkeeper performs under the increased pressure and higher stakes of a knockout match, where mistakes have greater consequences. Edu believes observing how Freese handles such adversity would be more insightful than his performances in the group stage, and that starting him wouldn`t jeopardize the US team`s chances of winning the game.
What`s Next?
Following their victory over Haiti, the USMNT finished atop Group D. They are scheduled to face Costa Rica in the Gold Cup quarterfinals on June 29.
