Matt Freese opens up about criticism of USMNT World Cup play, future of Mauricio Pochettino

"I think it’s a moment that will, as all mistakes and bad moments in sports are, it’s a moment that will live with me and be part of me and motivate me and not define my career," Freese said about the error while speaking with Christian Arnold of the New York Post. "[The negatives and positives] will continue to motivate me to work harder, to be better, and to find more of those good moments, and limit, and minimize, and get rid of the bad moments."

Of course, that one moment doesn't erase the fact that the USMNT were seemingly impacted by the much-discussed red-card controversy involving forward Folarin Balogun, who was permitted to play against Belgium after he was sent off in the previous match. It's now known that President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the Balogun suspension ahead of the Belgium game.

Matt Freese makes feelings on Mauricio Pochettino clear

Meanwhile, the future of USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino is up in the air. He is now out of contract, and he may want to take a break before pursuing a return to club football.

"I would love for him; I would love to keep working with him. I would love for him to stay," Freese said about Pochettino during his chat with Becherano. "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. That's something I'm incredibly grateful for. Obviously, I would love to continue working with him. 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. And I'm just a player, so I don't know what's going to happen."

It's unclear when Pochettino may make a final decision about possibly re-upping with U.S. Soccer.