In the week following the U.S. men’s national team’s 4-1 defeat to Belgium, analysis has focused on the reasons behind the loss, despite the talents and home-field advantage the team held. The players continue to grapple with a wave of support that turned into a disappointing exit in the World Cup Round of 16.

In an interview with ESPN, U.S. starting goalkeeper Matt Freese shared his feelings about the loss, stating he initially felt “disbelief” right after the elimination.

“Not wanting that experience together and not wanting the memory of ‘Country Roads, Take Me Home’ to be over or not be happening again at home. Not be able to feel that and feel that again with our fans and feel that together as teammates and as a family on the field,” Freese told ESPN on Tuesday. “It was devastating.”

Freese, who started almost all the USMNT’s matches, experienced highs during the tournament but struggled during the game against Belgium, making three saves but conceding four goals, including a significant error after leaving his line.

However, Freese’s performance was not the only factor in the loss, as defensive lapses and an underwhelming attack made the team vulnerable. This led to criticism from fans and analysts, with some claiming the U.S. team lacked effort, a notion Freese challenged.

“It’s just so difficult for me to hear that because if people were to see this group on a day-to-day basis and spend time with these guys more personally, they would see how badly we wanted it. They would see how bad I wanted it,” Freese told ESPN.

“Two years ago, dreaming, like literally dreaming of this, and feeling the honor and the responsibility that comes with it. We wanted it so badly, more than anything else we’ve ever wanted, to capitalize on that and reward that support with something special. During the World Cup and the months leading into the World Cup, there was literally nothing else that crossed my mind.”

At 27, Freese is still considered young for a starting goalkeeper. This was his first World Cup, having earned his first cap for the U.S. just last year. He quickly established himself as the primary goalkeeper, overtaking veteran Matt Turner.

Looking ahead, a significant question remains regarding the future of head coach Mauricio Pochettino and whether he will lead the USMNT to the 2030 World Cup. Freese, like many teammates, hopes Pochettino will stay on.

“I would love to keep working with him. I would love for him to stay,” Freese said. “He gave me an opportunity and really gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. And I’m so grateful for that. I think he succeeded in getting this team and this country to believe.”

This belief manifested itself in viewership numbers, with over 30 million Americans tuning into the U.S.-Belgium match on Fox Sports, marking the most-watched English-language soccer broadcast in U.S. history.

However, the significant improvement in interest for soccer in the U.S. may make Pochettino a target for club teams seeking a coach.

“I know he is a world-class coach, and he will have many suitors and many teams, many clubs, etc. wanting to work with him,” Freese added. “And I’m just a player, so I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Currently, Freese has returned to his club, New York City FC, which resumes MLS play on July 22 against the Columbus Crew.

Meanwhile, the USMNT has no friendlies scheduled, but the next FIFA international window is in September. It remains uncertain whether starters like Freese will participate or take a break. Regardless, Freese expressed his intention to transform the disappointment from the tournament into motivation for the future.

“It’s become about trying to find a way to turn this elimination into motivation,” Freese said. “I think all of us have the motivation to do something even greater, even better, and to come back better. It’s been about finding a way to turn the elimination into fuel for the fire.”