Why Rising US Star Alex Freeman Chose Soccer over the NFL
Freeman said early coaching and a fast rise with the United States made soccer his clear path as he earned a World Cup start.
- On Friday, the United States faces Australia in Seattle, seeking to build momentum after defender Alex Freeman helped secure a 4-1 opening win against Paraguay in the World Cup group stage.
- Growing up the son of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio, Freeman faced pressure to play American football but ultimately chose soccer, stating, "And soccer was the clear choice by far."
- Coach Mauricio Pochettino rewarded Freeman with 17 consecutive international appearances despite limited club minutes, a decision LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris credited to recognizing young potential on the field.
- Pochettino explained he sought the "right 26" players to execute his dynamic tactical style; Freeman has played more minutes for the U.S. this year than with Villarreal, his Spanish club.
- Averaging 26.8 years old, the U.S. squad is the second-youngest roster fielded in over three decades, while defender Chris Richards set a high bar by completing all 83 consecutive passes in the opener.
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Why rising US star Alex Freeman chose soccer over the NFL
SEATTLE — Growing up the son of an NFL wide receiver, Alex Freeman said he felt a lot of pressure to play the American version of football, not the one the rest of the world plays. "I always got asked if football was the path," he said last summer. "But I always had a secret love for soccer." And he had to keep it a secret because he wasn't sure his father, Antonio, a Super Bowl winner with the Green Bay Packers, would understand. But his stepfa…
‘The clear choice by far’: Why rising US star Alex Freeman chose soccer over his father’s NFL
By Kevin Baxter Los Angeles Times SEATTLE — Growing up the son of an NFL wide receiver, Alex Freeman said he felt a lot of… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close The post ‘The clear choice by far’: Why rising US star Alex Freeman chose soccer over his father’s NFL appeared first on The Examiner.
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