Matt Turner’s game against England puts him among best USMNT goalies

The USMNT played England to a scoreless draw on Black Friday at the World Cup in Qatar. Matt Turner’s cool and collected performance was a major reason why. 

A lot will be made of the USMNT’s 0-0 draw against England at the World Cup, a shocking score that sets up a must-win showdown on Tuesday versus Iran.

Many see it as a victory for the Americans. In fact, the draw is very much like a win, especially if you consider how talented England are. In the process, much of the attention will go to the USMNT’s midfield and attack. It was in this part of the field where the Americans dominated for long stretches.

But a goal never came. At the other end of the field, Matt Turner, meanwhile, showed for the second straight game in Qatar that he is a very reliable goalkeeper. In fact, Turner’s outing against England puts him in the pantheon of the greatest goalkeepers in USMNT history.

USMNT has all-time great emerging in net at 2022 World Cup in Matt Turner

The U.S. has produced top-class goalies for decades. The list of greats includes Tony Meola, Brad Friedel, Kasey Keller, Brad Guzan and Tim Howard. Add the 28-year-old goalie from New Jersey to that list.

Turner wasn’t always the starter. He was a big question mark until the summer, but a move to Arsenal certainly helped his case. Although he plays as a backup for the North London club, being a part of a team that’s contending for the Premier League title this season has certainly helped his form.

Turner beat Zack Steffen for the starting job as manager Gregg Berhalter assembled his 26-man squad just a few weeks ago. Not only did Turner get the nod, Berhalter didn’t even bring Steffen, who had started for most of World Cup qualifying, to Qatar.

The decision has paid off for the United States so far at this World Cup. On Friday, for example, England had eight shots on the night; Turner making three saves to preserve the clean sheet. Turner neutralized every English offensive weapon that included Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.

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Turner made his first save, and arguably the biggest of the match, before the end of the first half, diving right and getting both hands on the ball after Mason Mount unleashed a potent shot.

While the U.S. midfield put in a gritty display and the attack pressured the English backline all game, Turner was calm and collected throughout. Even when England had the ball in the USMNT’s penalty area, Turner was there to grab the ball. It certainly wasn’t England’s night and a lot of that had to do with Turner.

World Cups are often won because teams can score goals. They are also won with a goalkeeper who gets hot at just the right time.

No one is saying the U.S. will win the World Cup, but a hot goalie can get you far. Turner needs to put in another strong performance against Iran. The USMNT also needs to score some goals if they want to win games going forward.

The biggest concern for Berhalter in the coming days will be who to start in the hope that those goals come. Christian Pulisic came close in the first half, but his thundering shot hitting the crossbar.

While who will score goals remains uncertain, one thing is certain: Turner is a great addition to this lineup and someone with reliable hands that can keep games close.