Michigan State University Athletics
John Freitag: Finding a Home Away From Home
9/27/2018 12:32:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Get to know Spartan senior John Freitag.
Senior defender John Freitag has made big contributions to the Michigan State soccer team in his short amount of time at MSU. On both sides of the field he has made impressive impact.
Freitag started his collegiate career playing at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. He was a consistent starter for the Blue Devils and earned a Big East Defensive Player of Week honor along the way.
After his sophomore season, he realized that DePaul was not the right fit and later found a home at Michigan State.
"I wasn't really happy there from a soccer standpoint and a social standpoint. I was looking for a place to play a little bit better soccer, improve as a player and take on a whole new environment," Freitag said.
In his first year at MSU, Freitag started every game for the Spartans, logging a total of 840 minutes. He tallied one goal and four assists, including an assist on the go-ahead goal against Western Michigan in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
Scoring one goal last season, Freitag has already put one in the back of the net this year against UC Riverside on Sept. 3 and has been looking to become even more of an offensive. He went on to add the game-winning goal against Penn State on Sept. 26.
"I'm trying to impose myself in the attack more. I think I've gotten a little more comfortable this year, and guys are giving me confidence to go forward, as well as the coaches. I think that's something I try to work on and improve every day and hopefully score a few more goals and help the team in any way I can," Freitag said.
He has set a big goal for himself this season; to bring leadership to the team.
"I've played three years already and started pretty much every game in my career, so I think I bring a lot of leadership to the table," Freitag said.
For the senior, it's all about what he can do to help the team accomplish their goals this season, which include winning a Big Ten Championship and a National Championship.
"I want to do everything I can to help the team out and just be who I am and contribute," Freitag said. "We can accomplish a lot, we have a lot of talented players, a lot of seniors, experience and leadership within our team and a good mix of young talent. I think the team can accomplish anything."
As he focuses in on his last season in the Green and White, he plans to leave his mark on the program.
"I think I'd like to leave obviously with a lot of wins and championships and just be known as someone who worked hard every day and kind of came in and busted their butt and hopefully, leave a legacy," Freitag said.
Although he only spent a short two years of his career at Michigan State, Freitag will remain a true Spartan for a lifetime.
Freitag started his collegiate career playing at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. He was a consistent starter for the Blue Devils and earned a Big East Defensive Player of Week honor along the way.
After his sophomore season, he realized that DePaul was not the right fit and later found a home at Michigan State.
"I wasn't really happy there from a soccer standpoint and a social standpoint. I was looking for a place to play a little bit better soccer, improve as a player and take on a whole new environment," Freitag said.
In his first year at MSU, Freitag started every game for the Spartans, logging a total of 840 minutes. He tallied one goal and four assists, including an assist on the go-ahead goal against Western Michigan in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
Scoring one goal last season, Freitag has already put one in the back of the net this year against UC Riverside on Sept. 3 and has been looking to become even more of an offensive. He went on to add the game-winning goal against Penn State on Sept. 26.
"I'm trying to impose myself in the attack more. I think I've gotten a little more comfortable this year, and guys are giving me confidence to go forward, as well as the coaches. I think that's something I try to work on and improve every day and hopefully score a few more goals and help the team in any way I can," Freitag said.
He has set a big goal for himself this season; to bring leadership to the team.
"I've played three years already and started pretty much every game in my career, so I think I bring a lot of leadership to the table," Freitag said.
For the senior, it's all about what he can do to help the team accomplish their goals this season, which include winning a Big Ten Championship and a National Championship.
"I want to do everything I can to help the team out and just be who I am and contribute," Freitag said. "We can accomplish a lot, we have a lot of talented players, a lot of seniors, experience and leadership within our team and a good mix of young talent. I think the team can accomplish anything."
As he focuses in on his last season in the Green and White, he plans to leave his mark on the program.
"I think I'd like to leave obviously with a lot of wins and championships and just be known as someone who worked hard every day and kind of came in and busted their butt and hopefully, leave a legacy," Freitag said.
Although he only spent a short two years of his career at Michigan State, Freitag will remain a true Spartan for a lifetime.
Players Mentioned
D
/ Men's SoccerDamon Rensing | Men's Soccer Press Conference | Oct. 6, 2025
Monday, October 06
Damon Rensing | Men's Soccer Press Conference | Sep. 29 2025
Monday, September 29
Spartans All-Access | Keeper of the Turf
Thursday, November 14
Playing Out His Dream | Spartans All-Access
Thursday, October 31