Preparing for the World’s Biggest Stage

Through its yearlong Feel Whole campaign, AdventHealth is sharing stories of people who exemplify whole-person health—body, mind and spirit. As part of this campaign, AdventHealth staff interviewed Matt Freese, goalkeeper for New York City FC and the U.S. Men's National Team, whose journey of faith and preparation comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings nine matches to Arlington, Tex.

“My faith as a Christian is something that I find very comforting,” Freese told AdventHealth. “I always have a deep faith that God is watching over me and has a plan for me and whatever that plan is, I am going to follow it.” 

Goalkeeping is a position defined by pressure. Matches can hinge on a single save, a split-second decision, one moment where everything is on the line. But for Freese, those high-pressure situations aren’t something he fears. Instead, he embraces them. 

“High-pressure moments don’t scare me because I feel like they make me come alive,” he says. “And I know that I’m as prepared as I’ll ever be for them.”

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