Brief

Matt Freese’s error leads NYCFC to 2-1 defeat by Chicago Fire

Freese’s misplaced pass was intercepted for the winning goal as NYCFC slipped to a third straight winless game.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 11 Oct 2026 06:21:17 GMT

New York City FC fell 2-1 to the Chicago Fire on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, after goalkeeper Matt Freese made a mis‑directed pass that was intercepted for the decisive goal.

What happened

The match was tied 1-1 when NYCFC defender Raul Gustavo sent a ball to Freese on the left side of the goal in the 87th minute. Freese attempted to move the ball to teammate Thiago Martins but under‑hit the pass, allowing Chicago midfielder Maren Haile‑Selassie to steal it and fire a shot past Freese for the winner.

What the reports add

The New York Post noted that the error echoed Freese’s earlier World Cup mistake, where he mishandled a ball that led to Belgium’s third goal in the U.S. men’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16. The article also highlighted that the Fire had a man advantage after Chicago’s Dje D’Avilla was sent off in the 43rd minute.

What was said

NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen said, “The second goal is something I don’t understand, because just prior to the moment of conceding this second goal there’s a brilliant save from Matty Freese inside the box,” and added that the call was “strange” and needed discussion. Jansen also criticized his team’s second‑half intensity, noting a “very bad second half.”

How it came about

Hannes Wolf gave NYCFC the lead in the 19th minute, but Chicago’s Anton Salétros equalised ten minutes into the second half. The loss extended NYCFC’s winless streak to three games and left the club with only one win in its last ten matches, raising doubts about its postseason chances.

Key facts

• Matt Freese’s mis‑directed pass was intercepted for Chicago’s winning goal in the 87th minute. (nypost.com)
• The match ended 2-1 in favor of Chicago Fire. (nypost.com)
• NYCFC’s winless streak extended to three games, with only one win in the last ten matches. (nypost.com)
• Coach Pascal Jansen criticized the team’s second‑half performance and the goal‑keeping decision. (nypost.com)

Sources

• [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Matt Freese surrenders horrific goal in ugly NYCFC loss — just months after World Cup gaffe”