(Photo credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images)

New York City FC signed emergent goalkeeper Matt Freese to a contract extension through the 2030 season on Thursday. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Freese, 27, has become the club's top keeper over the past two years. He was used sparingly by the Philadelphia Union from 2019-21 and was traded to New York City ahead of the 2023 campaign.

This season, Freese has posted seven clean sheets in his 26 league starts, recording 84 saves with a 71.8 save percentage. It's come on the heels of a 2024 campaign in which he made 34 starts and had a 72.9 save percentage with six clean sheets. He was named the club's MVP in 2024.

'We're thrilled to have secured Matt's future with the club through this contract extension,' NYCFC sporting director David Lee said in a statement. 'Over the past two seasons, he has not only established himself as one of MLS' premier goalkeepers but also a distinguished role model on-and-off the field. His character, leadership, and professionalism set a strong foundation for the club, and we believe he will remain a cornerstone of our team for many years to come.'

Freese's rise also caught the attention of U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino. Freese received his first national team call-up this past January and has appeared in nine matches for the team, collecting three clean sheets, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

'It's an exciting step for me to sign a long-term contract with New York City FC,' Freese said in a statement. 'The club has felt like my family, and the fans have taken me in and supported me so generously since the first day I joined. ...

'My extension shows a mutual trust and the belief that New York City has in me, and for that I'm both very grateful and excited. This contract extension will allow me to continue to dive into my career and development on the field and in the locker room. I'm looking forward to creating many more memories with the fans in the years to come.'

--Field Level Media