USMNT Goalkeeper Matt Turner Delivers Stunning MLS Comeback as Carles Gil Rewrites Revolution Record Books
Matt Turner has returned to MLS, and he's already recording shutouts once again.
Following a challenging period in Europe and a recent transfer drama involving Premier League club Nottingham Forest, Ligue 1 team Lyon, and the New England Revolution, the U.S. men's national team keeper started to regain some consistency on Saturday evening at Gillette Stadium.
Though Turner had difficulty securing regular minutes during his time at Arsenal, Forest, and Crystal Palace after departing the Revolution in 2021, it seemed as if he'd never left, as he featured in a 2–0 victory over D.C. United.
"It was quite moving stepping onto the field for me," Turner commented following the game. "Simply being back in this venue, experiencing the support from warm-ups, to pre-match, to everything, I adore it here. I cherish New England, it truly feels like home to me."
Both New England and D.C. are unlikely to make the playoffs this campaign, positioned 11th and 15th in the Eastern Conference following the contest, but it represented a homecoming for Turner and some desperately needed consistency.
The 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year recorded three saves, as the Revolution ended a nine-match winless streak. It also provided a celebratory atmosphere for the former players in attendance, including club legends like Alexis Lalas, Taylor Twellman, Gustavo Bou, and numerous others.
Additionally, the saves enabled Carles Gil to achieve his milestone moment in a winning effort, as his ninth strike of the campaign moved him beyond the present Twellman for most goal contributions in franchise history with 130.
"For me, it meant more than simply appearing, but also recognizing that there's something to accomplish, something to pursue. So, I aim to deliver strong displays," Turner continued. "I was truly pleased to be present for Carles. He's such a humble, reserved individual, but he is a captain. He's a captain in how he shows concern, and in how he consistently delivers with goals and assists."
"He's simply such a remarkable player and such incredible talent. I believe there's nobody more worthy to hold that record for this organization right now."
Stability For Everyone in Final Phase
Just as the Revolution required a boost to their performance this season under head coach Caleb Porter, Turner also needed the consistent playing time to reclaim his starting position with the USMNT before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While 2025 started with Turner as the clear number one, insufficient playing time in Europe and poor showings at the Concacaf Nations League in March caused him to lose the position to New York City FC's Matt Freese during the summer's Concacaf Gold Cup.
Though the switch to MLS might have been viewed as a step backward, it's providing him with regular action and also a return to a club and setting where he knows he can excel.
Simultaneously, some good form could reignite the USMNT goalkeeper competition with Turner and Freese competing for the spot alongside Chicago Fire FC's Chris Brady, and Zack Steffen of the Colorado Rapids, among others.
"You could observe in the initial few crosses, he advances to the penalty area edge and claims it. He produces several crucial stops, an important one in the opening half...his command, his passing, truly assisted us," Porter remarked about Turner, even as the Revolution remain eight points from a playoff position with nine games left.
"This represents valuable three points... It feels positive, but we must repeat it next week. We must find a method against a truly skilled squad with genuinely talented individuals, but I believe our group can achieve it."