USMNT defender Alex Freeman scores first Villarreal goal in comeback win

On Saturday, October 24, USMNT defender Alex Freeman scored his first goal for Villarreal during a 2-1 comeback victory against Valencia at Mestalla. The match started with Villarreal trailing 1-0 in the first half, but Freeman equalized with a header in the 69th minute. The game then intensified as both teams received red cards - Villarreal's Pape Gueye in the 79th minute and Valencia's Harvey Elliott 10 minutes later.

With ten men, Georges Mikautadze scored a winning goal six minutes into stoppage time, securing all three points for Villarreal.

Freeman's rapid rise for both club and country was evident, as he has started the past five league matches for Villarreal. The 22-year-old moved to the Yellow Submarine in January following a breakout 2025 season with Orlando City in the MLS. Freeman has become an ever-present for the U.S. men's national team over the past 18 months, playing in 25 consecutive matches under coach Mauricio Pochettino. He started in four of the U.S. team's five World Cup games this summer, scoring against Australia.

Villarreal coach Íñigo Pérez praised Freeman's versatility and dynamism during the post-match press conference. He described Freeman as a "super player" who can play various defensive positions, including center back, fullback, left back, and forward. Pérez valued Freeman's ability to maintain calmness under pressure, particularly when facing fast wingers like Valencia's David Otorbi.