Who is Matt Turner? Player history, position & USMNT stats
Matt Turner was the starting goalkeeper for the USMNT at the last World Cup. However, he now faces a battle with Matt Freese for a starting spot at the World Cup this summer.
Who is Matt Turner?
Matt Turner was the established number one for the USMNT, with over 50 caps; he is the most experienced goalkeeping option for Mauricio Pochettino right now.
On occasions, he has even captained the USMNT. With a club career that spans from MLS to the Premier League, his experience will not doubt be an asset to the Stars and Stripes this summer, whether he is starting or not.
Matt Turner's player history
Years | Team |
|---|---|
2014-2015 | Jersey Express |
2016-2022 | New England Revolution |
2016-2017 (loan) | Richmond Kickers |
2022-2023 | Arsenal |
2023-2025 | Nottingham Forest |
2024-2025 | Crystal Palace |
2025- | Olympique Lyonnais |
2025- (loan) | New England Revolution |
Remarkably, Turner did not start playing soccer until he was 14 years old. He played college soccer for the Farfield Stags before representing Jersey Express in the Premier Development League (now USL League Two.
This led to a move to the MLS side, the New England Revolution. However, Turner again had to earn experience in the lower divisions of American soccer with a loan to the Richmond Kickers of the United Soccer League.
Turner went on to win the Supporters Shield with the Revs in 2021, before securing a move to Premier League side Arsenal. Unfortunately, Turner never represented the Gunners in English soccer's top flight, but did play for them in the Europa League and FA Cup.
Due to his lack of game time at the Emirates Stadium, Turner then joined Nottingham Forest. However, he played just 17 times in the Premier League for Forest before being replaced by Matz Sels.
Turner then moved to Crystal Palace, but was again only used by them in cup games. A transfer to Olympique Lyonnais followed in 2025, but he was almost immediately then sent on loan to the New England Revolution.
Matt Turner's playing style and USMNT stats
At 6 ft 3 in, Tuner is known for his ability to command the box and being a good shot stopper. However, like most modern-day keepers, he is criticized for not being so great with his feet.
USMNT appearances | USMNT goals conceded | USMNT clean sheets |
|---|---|---|
53 | 48 | 27 |
Turner is back where he started his MLS journey, at the Revs. He featured for them at the end of last season, making 10 league appearances. This season, he has played in all eight of New England's MLS fixtures.
It remains to be seen whether Pochettino will stick with Freese or turn back to Turner when it comes to the World Cup this summer.