When the U.S. Men’s National Team opened its 2025 World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12, the lineup included a name that would rewrite the history books for Ivy League soccer: Matt Freese, a Harvard University alumnus, became the first Harvard graduate to appear in a men’s World Cup match, taking his place between the posts and helping the United States to a 4‑1 victory.
Freese’s journey to that moment reflects a blend of athletic talent and a family steeped in science. His father, Andrew Freese, is a neurosurgeon who pioneered gene‑therapy techniques, while his mother, Marcia Freese, founded a medical‑management company. An aunt, Katherine Freese, pursues theoretical astrophysics, and another relative, Margaret “Midge” Purce, class of 2017, has left her own mark on U.S. soccer history.
A New Era for Harvard Soccer
The analytical mindset that runs in his family appears to have shaped Freese’s approach to the game. While at Harvard, he authored a research paper dissecting penalty‑kick strategies, a project that caught the attention of both domestic and international scouts. Prior to college, he honed his skills at the Philadelphia Union Academy and spent formative years training with Manchester United’s youth setup.
After establishing himself as the Crimson’s starting goalkeeper as a sophomore in 2018, Freese earned Second Team All‑Ivy honors and subsequently signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Union. Two years later, he was traded to New York City FC, where he fought for and secured the starting goalkeeper role, culminating in his first senior national‑team call‑up in 2025.
Freese is not the only Harvard‑affiliated talent making waves on the world stage. Josefine Hasbo, a 2025 graduate, represented Denmark at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while Margaret “Midge” Purce has been a mainstay on the U.S. women’s national team for over a decade.
Looking ahead, the U.S. squad will meet Australia on June 19 at 3 p.m. EDT, a match that will test the mettle of the Harvard‑bred keeper as he continues to carve a new chapter for Ivy League soccer.