Alex Freemans full-circle World Cup moment continues meteoric USMNT rise
SEATTLE — The Freeman family has always had a flair for big moments in Seattle.Nearly three decades ago, Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman terrorized the Seahawks in the Pacific Northwest.During one game in 1996, Freeman — who enjoyed a successful nine-year NFL career — had 108 yards and caught two touchdown passes at the old Kingdome.On Friday afternoon, his son added another chapter to the family story.Only this time, the cheers came from a soccer crowd.“It’s a full-circle family moment,” USMNT defender Alex Freeman said.
“He can be great, but I can be great in my own way.It’s amazing to have a dad who’s successful and can mentor me.”With the United States searching for a knockout blow against Australia, Freeman rose above the chaos inside the six-yard box and nodded home a crucial first-half goal that helped propel Team USA to a 2-0 victory at Seattle Stadium.The win secured a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the U.S.
and put Mauricio Pochettino’s side firmly in control of Group D with six points.“Alex Freeman has the potential to be one of the best players in the world at his position,” Pochettino said after the match.For Freeman, who made his senior national team debut just a year ago, it was another remarkable step in one of the fastest rises in American soccer history.At 21 years old, Freeman arrived at this World Cup as the youngest player on the U.S.roster.
He now leaves the group stage as one of its most important players.The 6-foot-2 right back has become one of the engines driving Pochettino’s system.Part defender, part midfielder, part attacker, Freeman is asked to cover enormous stretches of grass while simultaneously helping build attacks and shutting down opposing wingers.Yet nothing about Freeman’s play suggests a player feeling the weight of the moment.Against Paraguay in the tournament opener, he was arguably the United States’ unsung hero.
He won duels all over the field, helped l...