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Coco Gauff's Ex-Coach Blasts USA Goalkeeper Matt Freese

2026-07-07 · Coco Gauff · Opinion

Coco Gauff's Ex-Coach Blasts USA Goalkeeper Matt Freese

Coco Gauff's ex-coach Brad Gilbert criticized USA goalkeeper Matt Freese's error in the World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium on Monday.

The USA trailed 2-1 when Freese committed a crucial error, leaving his net exposed, and Belgium scored an easy goal.

What happened?

Brad Gilbert, a renowned soccer fan, reacted with frustration on social media, writing: 'what was goalie doing. absolutely disastrous game over, belgium has been the aggressor since the start of game.'

Why it matters for Coco Gauff

Gilbert's comments come as he recently spoke about his admiration for soccer, but also expressed his frustration with the officiating process, believing it remains unfair and has become the sport's biggest problem.

What comes next?

Belgium will now face Spain in the quarterfinal this Friday, after sealing a 4-1 victory over the USA. The USMNT was just one goal away from reaching its first quarterfinals in 24 years.

Coco Gauff's former coach argued that referees are awarding penalties and red cards for minor incidents, and believes that referees are indirectly rewarding players for exaggerating contact. Gilbert suggested that a soccer game should have at least 6-7 referees on the field to keep up with the modern pace of the game.

The USA's loss was a shock, given they were close to reaching the quarterfinals. Gilbert's comments reflect the frustration of many soccer fans, who feel that the officiating process needs to be improved.

On Monday, the USA struggled for the most part, trailing 2-1, and despite needing just one goal to make it even, Freese's error broke the nation's back. Instead of staying near his goal, Freese sprinted several yards outside his box to intercept the ball, leaving his goal exposed.

Gilbert's frustration with the officiating process is shared by many soccer fans, who feel that the sport's biggest problem is the rewarding of minor incidents. He believes that referees need to be more consistent in their decisions, and that players should not be rewarded for exaggerating contact.

The World Cup quarterfinals will continue this Friday, with Belgium facing Spain. The USA's loss is a disappointment, but Gilbert's comments reflect the need for improvement in the officiating process.

Coco Gauff's ex-coach Brad Gilbert is known for his outspoken views on soccer, and his comments on Monday reflect his frustration with the sport's biggest problem. He believes that the officiating process needs to be improved, and that referees need to be more consistent in their decisions.

The USA's World Cup exit is a shock, given their close match against Belgium. Gilbert's comments on Monday reflect the frustration of many soccer fans, who feel that the officiating process needs to be improved. The World Cup quarterfinals will continue this Friday, with Belgium facing Spain.

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