Today's UNIBET Day in Union history came two years ago as Philadelphia Union announced the homegrown signing of goalkeeper Matt Freese back in 2018.
While Freese has only played seven matches over the past two seasons, he's been called upon in big moments when starter Andre Blake has been unavailable. During his rookie campaign, Freese started five matches for the Boys in Blue and helped keep the Union in the playoff run. Freese's first start came on the road at Vancouver Whitecaps but the homegrown showed no nerves in a four-save performance that was highlighted by this stop.
As Blake competed at the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup, Freese was called upon again to start for the Boys in Blue where he helped the club with eight saves across three games.
This past season Freese continued to develop with Philadelphia Union II, making 27 saves in seven contests including two clean sheets against Loudoun United FC on March 7 and September 16 that saw him win the USL Save of the Week.
Most importantly Freese was called upon to start in net for the Union's regular season finale against the New England Revolution. The 22-year-old controlled the defense and made a save as the Union secured the 2020 Supporters' Shield at Subaru Park.
Off the pitch, Freese has been making an impact having been elected to the USSF Athletes' Council as part of Next Gen United.
