Matt Freese disaster hands Belgium 2-goal lead as goalkeeper's calamitous lapse in judgement proves costly

The United States' match against Belgium was tough from the start, but it got even tougher on a crucial play in the second half -- a plat that ended up sinking the Americans in a game that ended in a 4-1 loss. 

Belgium scored its third goal early in the second half when there was a misplay and miscommunication on the USMNT's defensive end. At the center of the misplay was goalie Matt Freese, who had his worst play of the tournament at the wrong time.

Here's what happened as Belgium took a two-goal lead.

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What did Matt Freese  do?

Belgium took a 3-1 lead as goalie Matt Freese misplayed a ball in the open field. A defender Belgium sent a ball down the field and Freese came out of the net to try and clear the ball. However, Freese miskicked and hti the ground first, keeping the ball in place and allowing Belgium to regain control.

As a result, Belgium scored a deep goal with U.S. defender Tim Ream as the lone defender in the net.

Belgium finds a third pic.twitter.com/0m1Hu4qzwR

The goal was the first of the second quarter and meant that the USMNT was down two goals and facing a steep hill to climb.

Fox's ref cam provides another angle of the play, and it also shows that the ball was deflected by Ream even though Ream couldn't keep it out of the net.

Hans Vanaken becomes Belgium’s oldest goalscorer in the Knockout Stage pic.twitter.com/ve2bD2Xn1N

MORE: USMNT player ratings vs. Belgium

Matt Freese USMNT stats

Freese has played for the United States since last year, appearing in 18 matches leading into Monday night's match vs. Belgium. Here are his stats in those games:

• Matches: 18
• Goals allowed: 19
• Saves: 21
• Shots on target against: 28

Matt Freese stats

Freese has been the USMNT's primary goaltender during the World Cup, starting three matches and allowing just one goal on six shots leading into Monday's match.

Matt Freese club 

Freese plays for NYCFC in Major League Soccer, as he has spent the last four seasons playing for the club. Previously, Freese played for the Philadelphia Union in the MLS and a few teams in the USL Championship league.