Orlando City right back Alex Freeman is stepping out of his father's shadow and into the spotlight. The son of NFL legend Antonio Freeman is making a name for himself on the pitch rather than the gridiron.
Despite his father being a Green Bay Packers All-Pro and Super Bowl champion, Alex chose soccer over football. His decision is paying off in a big way this season.
The 20-year-old is enjoying a breakout campaign with Orlando City. He recently showcased his talents in a dominant 3-0 win over Inter Miami, creating four chances and posting impressive expected goals and assists numbers.
USMNT Recognition Comes Calling
Freeman's performances haven't gone unnoticed at the national level. He earned a surprise inclusion on Mauricio Pochettino's 60-man preliminary roster for next month's Concacaf Gold Cup.
This recognition is huge for the young right back. He's emerging at a position where the USMNT needs depth, making him an intriguing prospect for international duty.
"It's kind of good to create my own story," Freeman said. He's clearly focused on building his own legacy separate from his famous father.
His journey to professional soccer wasn't straightforward. Freeman tried multiple sports growing up, with tennis even looking promising at one point. His mother, Rochelle Hinkle, supported his athletic exploration before soccer ultimately won out.
The pandemic proved pivotal in his development. After missing out on Inter Miami's academy, Freeman moved three hours away to join Orlando City's youth setup at just 15 years old.
Initially a winger, he transitioned to right back in Orlando. After winning a youth championship and spending three seasons with Orlando City B, Freeman finally broke through to the first team this season.
Attacking Flair Catching Eyes
Freeman's offensive abilities make him stand out. He's already notched three goals and one assist this season, including a memorable first career goal in his first start.
His technical skill is evident in highlight moments. Against Philadelphia, he executed a perfect Cruyff turn to escape two defenders before creating a scoring chance.
Orlando City coach Óscar Pareja has praised Freeman's natural instincts. "He has the intuition, the intelligence... He comes especially as a false winger with a very natural way," Pareja noted.
While his attacking prowess impresses, Freeman still needs development defensively. If he continues progressing in this area, higher-level opportunities could come quickly.
For bettors watching Orlando City matches, Freeman's attacking contributions make him an interesting player to watch for assist or goal-scoring markets. His inclusion in USMNT consideration might also impact his confidence and performance in upcoming MLS fixtures.
Despite forging his own path, Freeman maintains deep respect for his father's legacy. "He beat the odds," Alex said about Antonio. "I feel like in life, you're gonna have odds against you... he's definitely someone that I look up to every day."
