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How did Matt Freeze excel in his journey? He steadily advanced through college and professional soccer, dedicating the same enthusiasm a child would show when jumping into bed. “I keep reminding myself,” Freeze shared with NBC News, “I’m always a student of the game.”
The ethos of being a lifelong learner runs in Matt’s family. His paternal grandparents, Ernst and Elizabeth Freese, were exceptional German scientists who immigrated to the USA after World War II. They contributed their talents to the National Institutes of Health, with Ernst being a renowned molecular biologist known for his groundbreaking studies on DNA mutations, cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases.
“He uncovered the mechanics of genetic mutations,” stated Katherine Freese, Matt’s aunt. “This is foundational to our understanding of evolution.”
Catherine, another remarkable figure in the family, is an astrophysicist at the University of Texas, specializing in dark matter research. She tackles pivotal questions like: “How did the universe originate?” and “What is the universe composed of?”
Matt’s father, Dr. Andrew Freeze, a Harvard-trained neurosurgeon, profoundly impacted the field of gene therapy. His journey included earning a Ph.D. in neurobiology from MIT. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 at age 61 due to kidney failure.
The family legacy extends to numerous scholars who boast impressive credentials and achievements. “It’s like a family tradition,” Katherine noted.
Consider Matt’s surprise when a high school peer announced his aspirations of becoming a professional soccer player. Andrew, unfamiliar with sports culture, had concerns about his son’s future. “It felt a bit foreign to him,” Matt recalled.
Family reactions were mixed, with one uncle quipping, “Poor Matt will just warm the bench.” This uncle was also a biologist, Catherine added. “Oh, that’ll never work!”
Eventually, Matt and his father reached a compromise. Matt enrolled at Harvard University to study economics and played on the football team for two seasons before signing with MLS’s Philadelphia Union in 2018. The pandemic later allowed him to complete his degree online in 2022, though Andrew never witnessed his graduation.
“He’s undoubtedly proud,” Katherine stated. “Matt surpassed all expectations.”
Matt applied his academic insights during university, conducting a comprehensive research project focused on penalty kicks. As he progressed in soccer, it became evident that his greatest asset as a goalkeeper lay in his mental approach, handling the position almost scientifically.
“Many people mistakenly believe that goalkeeping is solely about saving shots,” Freeze explained. “Our goal is to prevent them by being aggressive, strategically positioned, and maintaining clear communication, all while reading the game effectively.”
Goalkeepers constantly evaluate the field, identifying threats and positioning themselves to defend against challenges. “A significant part of goalkeeping involves maximizing the area of the goal you can cover,” Freese said.
Fortunately, Freeze possesses a problem-solving intelligence inherited from his father. “He has a logical, analytical mindset,” stated Katherine. “It’s a unique perspective that allows him to synthesize information in ways others can’t.”
What does this perspective entail? “In mathematics and physics, creativity is essential. While equations exist, one must approach problem-solving with an inventive mindset. By combining concepts A and B, one can discover innovative solutions.” This ability is a distinctive skill they share.
Matt believes that despite the key role a goalkeeper plays in a match, their performance is often evaluated based on just a few pivotal moments. “Typically, you only get two or three significant opportunities per game, so it’s crucial to remain fully focused and explosive in those instances.”
To excel in those high-stakes moments, Freeze follows a specific routine. He diligently reviews game footage and studies his opponents but consciously limits his cellphone usage and avoids social media. His diet primarily consists of chicken, vegetables, and carbohydrates during the season. He also practices meditation to align with his body’s natural rhythms and makes a point to soak up sunlight each morning.
Moreover, Matt’s unique biology sets him apart from other goalkeepers. According to his family history, his maternal grandfather, Jack Geary, served as an Air Force pilot and a professional football player. In tribute, Matt wears the number 49 on his jersey for NYC FC. “Natural athleticism played a role,” Freese remarked. “I’m grateful for that, but it has to be expressed. To achieve that, one must flow, remain agile, and execute those critical saves.”
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Source: www.nbcnews.com
