Defender Hunter Freeman believes that newly-promoted IK Start is ready to make a run towards a top three spot in the Eliteserien.
Freeman signed with the Norwegian club in the fall of 2008, shortly after the club earned promotion from 1. Division, and has become a regular starter in head coach Knut Torum's back line.
After spending four years in MLS, Freeman made the decision the hop across the Atlantic to play in Europe which, according to the Tyler, Texas native, had been a lifelong goal.
"I always had dreamed of playing overseas," Freeman recounted to YA. "Now that I'm here, everything has been great. We started out great but have struggled a bit lately, but have still exceeded expectations. We want to finish at least third and grab a medal and earn a berth in the Europa League."
The ex-New York Red Bull arrived in Kristiansand where he was immediately teamed up with former collegiate foe, Clay Goodson, to anchor the Start defense.
The pair's history dates back to their battles in the Atlantic Coast Conference where Freeman and the University of Virginia Cavaliers often faced Goodson, who played at the University of Maryland.
Freeman feels there is no doubt that the duo's history as opponents has actually helped them get quickly acquainted as teammates on the field.
"It's been great playing with Clay… I didn't like him in college," he laughed. "He has helped me get accustomed to everything here and playing next to him has made things easier. Plus, when we're both back playing, our team has had a lot of success."
For all of the hard work that the Lone Star State resident has done on the defensive end, the recollection of Freeman's lone goal on the season is what many Start fans may likely remember for years to come.
In a match versus Odd Grenland prior to the mid-summer break, the former USA U-20 player fired in a free kick from 40 meters out that inexplicably sailed through the opposing defense and into the net.
Many players would have reveled in netting such a goal, but the humble Freeman is quick to wave off any adulation that may come his way as a result of the quirky score.
"It was really a simple free kick. I always take free kicks and usually just try to get it in the area for someone to put a head on it. One thing I always try to do is to have the ball frame the goal. I was able to do that and I think there was just some miscommunication on their end and it just went in. But, I didn't celebrate it because it wasn't my intention to score," he affirmed.
Freeman's serious and respectful approach to the game mirrors the outlook shared by Torum who has given him the starting nod in every match that the 24 year-old has been available.
The former ACC star also appreciates the direct and concise message that the former Rosenborg assistant coach delivers to the team.
"Knut is very clear in how he wants us to play which is to be compact on defense and attack with pace. I had to make an adjustment when I came here because the MLS plays more of a high-pressure defense while in Norway it is more of a low-pressure defensive front where anything that we give is wide."
"He wants us to win the ball and to quickly attack and take advantage of our offensive opportunities. You have to be able to do that in this league," Freeman summed up.
Freeman has appeared in 20 matches for Torum thus far this season. Start, who currently sit in sixth place, six points out of the final Europa League qualification spot, return to action on Monday, September 21 when they host Viking Stavanger. |
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