Matt Turner Makes Case to Be US Men's No. 1 GK in Win vs. Morocco

Erin WalshJune 2, 2022

CINCINNATI, OH - MAY 30: Matt Turner makes the save during a training session at Mercy Health Training Center on May 30, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images

The United States Men's National Team defeated Morocco 3-0 on Wednesday in an international friendly match at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, in what was their first of four matches this month.

The match gave Gregg Berhalter a good look at his player pool ahead of the World Cup in Qatar this fall as players like Haji Wright, Joe Scally, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Malik Tillman saw a decent amount of time on the pitch.

While Wright, Brenden Aaronson and Timothy Weah found the back of the net in the win, and Christian Pulisic impressed, it was goalkeeper Matt Turner who drew a lot of the attention from American fans on Wednesday night after earning a clean sheet.

Many even called for Turner to replace Zack Steffen as the team's No. 1 goalkeeper entering the World Cup after making eight saves in the win.

Jeff Lemieux @jeff_lemieux
"I just think right now the goalkeeping position is Matt Turner's to lose." - <a href="https://twitter.com/TaylorTwellman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TaylorTwellman</a> <br><br>Turner doing what he does tonight with 2-3 key saves.

Garrett Franks @garrett_franks
Gotta be honest, Matt Turner is my #1 Goalkeeper heading into Qatar rn. He’s starting to look a lot more comfortable with his feet.

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Mitchell Boudreau @m_boudreau20
I will be shocked if Matt Turner doesn’t have the starting job at the wc

Dan Vaughn @THEDanVaughn
Based on his play tonight, the only thing that will keep Matt Turner out of the starting role is Berhalter’s hubris. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USMNT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USMNT</a>

Phil Bush @mooof23
Maybe, and hear me out, we should have been playing Matt Turner all along <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USMNT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USMNT</a>

Joe Maxwell @JoeMax1018
Matt turner > Zack steffen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USMNT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USMNT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/USMNT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USMNT</a>

Yank on the Island @YankyMnt
Matt Turner continues to prove why he’s the #1 and how large the gap really is

ezra bloom @ezra_bloom
Matt turner proving why he should be the #1 keeper for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/usmnt?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#usmnt</a> in tonight game <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USAvMAR?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USAvMAR</a>

Boston Red @BostonRed3047
I’ve seen enough, Matt Turner is the guy

TheMilkman @TheMilkIsHere
Matt Turner needs to be the starter for the USMNT. <a href="https://t.co/m7VpQeAnFY">pic.twitter.com/m7VpQeAnFY</a>

General Frank Lampard III CFC @vaphreak
I just feel safe with Matt Turner in goal. His positioning is top notch

Clueless Yanks @CluelessYanks
Matt Turner is the best goalkeeper we have. End of discussion.

Brett West @Bretty_Westside
Matt Turner GK1

Nick Rosser @NicholasRosser
Ferreira has been good at linking up play, Matt Turner should be the #1, Pulisic is a 🐐, not impressed w the defense (we’ve conceded too many shots) <a href="https://t.co/3mjMsi4W8K">https://t.co/3mjMsi4W8K</a>

Mitch @Colemama37
Matt Turner > Zac Steffen

Turner entered Wednesday's game with 16 appearances for the national team, including 12 wins and 11 clean sheets. He is now 13-2-2 with 12 shutouts since making his debut in 2021.

The 27-year-old has made a name for himself over the last several years after going undrafted out of Fairfield University.

He signed with the New England Revolution in 2016 and has emerged as the MLS side's top keeper. After going 17-7-4 with five clean sheets during the 2021 season, he earned the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award and was named to the MLS Best XI.

Turner is also set to transfer to Premier League side Arsenal in June, a huge reward for his impressive performances in the MLS and for the national team over the last couple of years.

Meanwhile, Steffen has been with the U.S. national team since 2018 and is 14-4-7. In six games this year for the USMNT, the Manchester City keeper is 3-2-1 with two clean sheets.

With Turner pushing for Steffen's starting job, things should certainly be interesting as we inch closer to the World Cup in November.

NE vs SKC

May 25 12:30 am

Moneyline

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NE+195 SKC+115

Spread

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NE+0.3 SKC-0.3

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Over2.8 Under2.8