Matt Turner is back in MLS, and back with the clean sheets.
After a tumultuous few seasons in Europe, and a recent transfer saga between Premier League side Nottingham Forest, Ligue 1 club Lyon and the New England Revolution, the U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper began to find some stability on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium.
While Turner had struggled to find playing time during spells at Arsenal, Forest and Crystal Palace since leaving the Revolution in 2021, it was like no time had passed, as he started in a 2–0 win against D.C. United.
“It was pretty emotional walking out for me,” Turner said after the match. “Just being back in the stadium, feeling the love from the warmup, to before the game, to everything, I love it here. I love New England, it’s really like home for me.”
Neither New England nor D.C. are likely playoff teams this season, sitting 11th and 15th in the Eastern Conference after the match, but it was still a homecoming of sorts for Turner, and some much needed stability.
The 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year made three stops, as the Revolution snapped a nine-game winless run. It also ensured an upbeat occasion for the alumni in the building, which included club greats such as Alexis Lalas, Taylor Twellman, Gustavo Bou and many others.
Meanwhile, the stops also allowed Carles Gil to have his record-breaking moment come in a victory, as his ninth goal of the season pushed him past the attending Twellman for most goal contributions in club history with 130.
“For me, it was more than just showing up, but also understanding that there’s something to achieve, something to do. So, I want to put in good performances,” Turner added. “I was really happy to be here for Carles. He’s such an unassuming, quiet guy, but he is a leader. He’s a leader in the way that he cares, and in the way that he always contributes with goals and assists.”
“He’s just such an amazing player and such an amazing talent. I think there’s no one more deserving to have that record for this club right now.”
