Matt Turner (soccer)

Matthew Charles Turner (born June 24, 1994) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Nottingham Forest and the United States national team.[4]

This article is about the American soccer player. For other people, see Matthew Turner (disambiguation).

Matt Turner
Turner with Richmond Kickers in 2017
Personal information
Full name Matthew Charles Turner[1]
Date of birth (1994-06-24) June 24, 1994[2]
Place of birth Park Ridge, New Jersey, United States
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[3]
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
 Nottingham Forest
Number 1
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2015 Fairfield Stags 39 (0)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2014–2015 Jersey Express 24 (0)
2016–2022 New England Revolution 102 (0)
2016–2017 → Richmond Kickers (loan) 27 (0)
2022–2023 Arsenal 0 (0)
2023– Nottingham Forest 9 (0)
International career‡
2021– United States 35 (0)
Medal record
Representing  United States
Men's soccer
CONCACAF Gold Cup
Winner2021
CONCACAF Nations League
Winner2023
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 22, 2023
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of October 17, 2023

Not playing soccer until 14 years old, Turner played for Fairfield University and went undrafted in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, though signed with Major League Soccer club New England Revolution after a successful preseason trial. After 2 seasons he became the club's primary goalkeeper, later winning the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2021. In 2022 he joined Premier League club Arsenal, where he won the FA Community Shield in 2023.[5] In the following 2023-24 season he signed for Nottingham Forest for £10 million ($12.75m).[6][7]

Turner made his debut for the United States in January 2021 at age 27, quickly becoming the team's starting goalkeeper. With the U.S. He won the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup and 2023 CONCACAF Nations League, winning the best goalkeeper award for both competitions.[8][9]

Early career

A native of Park Ridge, New Jersey, Turner attended Saint Joseph Regional High School.[10] Turner didn't play soccer until he was 14 years old, initially taking up the sport to stay in shape for his primary sports of basketball and baseball. He started playing in goal when the only other goalkeeper for his freshman team was injured at tryouts.[11]

Turner spent his entire collegiate career at Fairfield University. He made a total of 39 appearances for the Stags and finished with 21 shutouts. He was named to the All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference second team during his senior season.[12]

He also played in the Premier Development League for Jersey Express, leading the team to the PDL national semifinals in 2014.[13]

Club career

New England Revolution

Turner was not selected in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, but he signed a professional contract with Major League Soccer (MLS) club New England Revolution on March 3, 2016, after a successful preseason trial.[12][14]

2016–17 seasons
Turner playing for Richmond Kickers against FC Cincinnati in 2017

On April 29, he joined United Soccer League club Richmond Kickers on loan and made his professional debut a day later in a 1–0 victory over Toronto FC II.[15] During his two loan stints with the Kickers, Turner recorded seven shutouts in 27 starts.[16]

2018 season
Turner (right) during a Revolution match against D.C. United in 2018

Turner earned the starting job for the Revolution entering the 2018 season, beating out Brad Knighton and Cody Cropper for the job. He made his MLS debut on March 3, 2018, in the Revolution's season opener against Philadelphia Union, making four saves in a 2–0 loss.[17] Turner started all four of New England's matches to open the season, recording a 1.25 goals against average and 16 saves throughout that period. On March 31, 2018, he made six saves and recorded his first MLS clean sheet in the club's 2–0 win at BBVA Compass Stadium against Houston Dynamo FC. It was the first clean sheet a Revolution keeper had recorded since August 24, 2016. He recorded four more clean sheets over the 2018 season.[18][19]

2019 season

After a difficult start to the 2019 season which saw Turner drop to third string behind Cropper and Knighton, he re-emerged as the starter for the club, ultimately starting 20 matches and recording five clean sheets.[20] Turner would lead the Revolution to its first playoff match since 2015. It was also Turner's first playoff match. He started in the Revolution's 1–0 away loss to Atlanta United FC in the first round of the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.[21] Turner finished as an MLS goalkeeper of the year finalist, ranking 5th in voting behind winner Vito Mannone, D.C. United's Bill Hamid, New York City FC's Sean Johnson, and Atlanta's Brad Guzan.[22]

2020 season

Turner had a stand-out season in 2020 and was subsequently named as a finalist for the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Over the course of the season, Turner started 22 of the team's 23 matches, recording an 8–7–8 record, setting a new club record for goals against per game (1.08), recording six shut-outs, and leading his team to a second consecutive trip to the MLS Cup Playoffs. At the conclusion of the season, Turner ranked second in Revs history in saves percentage and goals against average (1.36). He additionally finished as the leader ranked among the top-10 MLS goalkeepers in saves percentage, goals against average, and saves. His save percentage was the highest of any MLS keeper since the start of the 2019 season.[23] He ultimately finished the season second in voting for the MLS goalkeeper of the year, behind Andre Blake.[24]

In round one of the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs, Turner recorded a clean sheet against the Supporters' Shield-holding Philadelphia Union in the Revolution's 2–0 win.[25] Turner then saved a Nani penalty kick in the Revolution's Eastern Conference semifinal 3–1 victory over Orlando City SC.[26]

In 2020, New England Revolution fans voted Turner the Revolution team MVP, his teammates voted him the Revolution Player of the Year,[27] and Revolution supporters group the Midnight Riders voted him the Midnight Riders Man of the Year.[28]

2021 season

Turner continued to play well over the course of the 2021 season, recording a 1.25 goals-against average, a 73.2 save percentage, and five shutouts over 28 starts. He was named the 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. He was the first keeper in Revolution history to earn the honor. During the 2021 season, Turner was named 2021 MLS All-Star Game MVP after making two penalty saves against the Liga MX All stars on August 25, 2021. He also set a club record with 17 regular season wins, which was tied for the most in the league.[29]

Arsenal

On February 11, 2022, it was announced that Turner and Premier League club Arsenal had agreed to a deal that would see him move to the London club in the summer of 2022. He was Arsenal's first summer signing of the window.[30][31] Arsenal reportedly paid a transfer fee of $6 million that could potentially rise to $10 million.[32] On June 27, 2022, Arsenal announced Turner as the new player on a long-term contract. Turner was given the number 30 shirt.[4]

Turner started Arsenal's July 8, 2022, friendly at 1. FC Nürnberg. Arsenal won the match 5–3.[33]

On September 8, 2022, Turner started against FC Zürich during the 2022–23 UEFA Europa League group stage, which Arsenal won 2–1.[34] On October 6, Turner recorded his first clean sheet for the club in a 3–0 win against Bodø/Glimt at the Emirates in the subsequent Europa League fixture.[35][36] Following this, Turner recorded back-to-back clean sheets in further Europa League wins against Bodø/Glimt again and PSV Eindhoven.[37][38] The former of the two performances, a 1–0 away win at the Aspmyra Stadion on October 13, drew praise from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.[39] Turner concluded his Arsenal career with seven appearances across all competitions, recording four clean sheets.[40]

Nottingham Forest

On August 9, 2023, Nottingham Forest announced the signing of Turner from Arsenal on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £10m ($12.75m).[6][7][41] He made his Premier League debut for Forest 3 days later, away to Arsenal, in a 2–1 loss.[42]

International career
Turner (in orange) with USMNT in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

Turner made his international debut on January 31, 2021, for the United States men's national team, starting in goal against Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly match.[43] Turner recorded a clean sheet, saving a penalty kick from Alvin Jones.

Turner started in all six games for the United States in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He recorded five clean sheets, including one in a 1–0 win against Mexico in the final. For his performance, Turner was awarded "Best Goalkeeper" of the tournament.

In November 2022, Turner was selected for the USMNT squad that competed in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar,[44][45] where he played as the primary goalkeeper and was one of three players to feature in all 360 minutes of the tournament for the American squad.[46] Turner kept two clean sheets in the tournament, becoming the first US goalkeeper to record multiple clean sheets in one edition of the FIFA World Cup since 1930.[46][47]

Turner started in both games for the USMNT squad at the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals, keeping clean sheets against both Mexico and Canada in 3–0 and 2–0 wins respectively as the United States won the competition. Alongside winning the Nations League title, Turner was selected as the best goalkeeper in the Nations League and was also named to the CNL Finals Best XI.[48][49]

Furthermore, Turner was named to the United States roster for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. In the opening Group A match versus Jamaica, Turner saved a penalty from Leon Bailey as the United States drew 1–1. In the knockout stage quarterfinal matchup against Canada, the game went to penalties after extra time. Turner then saved two penalties during the shootout, stonewalling both Steven Vitoria and Liam Fraser en route to a United States victory and man of the match honors.[50]

Personal life

Turner is Jewish.[51] Turner and his father both obtained Lithuanian passports in 2020; Turner's paternal great-grandmother fled from religious persecution during World War II, and as Jews emigrated from Lithuania.[52][53] His father's family is Jewish, and they Anglicized their surname from "Turnovski" to ″Turner″ at Ellis Island when immigrating,[53] whereas his mother's family is Catholic.[52][53]

He married ex-NFL cheerleader Ashley Herron in 2022.[54][11] Their son Easton was born on June 29, 2022.[55] In March 2023, the couple announced they were expecting a daughter.[56]

Career statistics

Club
As of match played October 22, 2023[2]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[lower-alpha 1] League cup[lower-alpha 2] Continental Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
New England Revolution 2016 MLS 00————00
2017 MLS 00————00
2018 MLS 270———00270
2019 MLS 20020——1[lower-alpha 3]0230
2020 MLS 22[lower-alpha 4]0——005[lower-alpha 5]0270
2021 MLS 28000——1[lower-alpha 3]0290
2022 MLS 50————50
Total 102020——701110
Richmond Kickers (loan) 2016 USL 7000———70
2017 USL 20000———200
Total 27000———270
Arsenal 2022–23 Premier League 0020005[lower-alpha 6]0—70
Nottingham Forest 2023–24 Premier League 900010——100
Career total 1380401050701550
  1. Includes U.S. Open Cup and FA Cup
  2. Includes EFL Cup
  3. Appearance(s) in MLS Cup Playoffs
  4. Includes three appearances in MLS is Back Tournament group stage
  5. One appearance in MLS is Back Tournament knockout stage, four appearances in MLS Cup Playoffs
  6. Appearances in UEFA Europa League

International
As of match played October 17, 2023[2]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
United States 2021130
2022110
2023110
Total350

Honours

New England Revolution

United States

Arsenal

Individual

See also

References
  1. "National team roster: 2021 Concacaf Nations League Finals" (PDF). CONCACAF. May 10, 2021. p. 8. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  2. "USA – M. Turner – Profile with news, career statistics and history – Soccerway". int.soccerway.com.
  3. "Matt Turner: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
  4. "Matt Turner joins from New England Revolution". Arsenal F.C. June 27, 2022. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  5. Rose, Gary (August 6, 2023). "Arsenal 1–1 Manchester City (4–1 on pens): Gunners win shootout to secure Community Shield". BBC Sport. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  6. "USA goalkeeper Matt Turner joins Nottingham Forest from Arsenal". www.theguardian.com. August 9, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  7. Taylor, Paul (August 9, 2023). "Nottingham Forest complete signing of Arsenal and USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner". theathletic.com. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  8. "United States beats Mexico in Gold Cup final on late Miles Robinson header". ESPN. August 1, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  9. "Pulisic, Turner and Lake take home CNL honors". Concacaf. June 18, 2023. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  10. "Soccer: Former St. Joseph star Matt Turner signs with MLS team". North Jersey Media Group.
  11. Stejskal, Sam (May 31, 2022). "As his USMNT stock rose and Arsenal hovered, Matt Turner met profound heartbreak". The Athletic. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  12. "Matt Turner Signs With New England Revolution". FairfieldStags.com. Fairfield Stags. March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
  13. Murray, Nicholas (November 19, 2022). "How Matt Turner's USL League Two experience put him on a path to the World Cup". USL League Two.
  14. "Revolution sign forward Michael Gamble and goalkeeper Matt Turner". RevolutionSoccer.net. New England Revolution. March 3, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
  15. Campos, Anthony (April 30, 2016). "Match Recap: TFC II 0–1 Richmond Kickers". TorontoFC.ca. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
  16. "Recap: Revs drop season opener in Philadelphia, 2–0". March 3, 2018. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  17. McCarthy, Kyle (March 4, 2018). "Revs sent off for openers". BostonHerald.com. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
  18. "Recap: Revs stretch unbeaten run to three games with 2–0 win over Dynamo". April 1, 2018. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  19. "Turning the Page. The remarkable rise of Matt Turner, from New England to Arsenal". June 16, 2022. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  20. "Matt Turner Stats". Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  21. "Atlanta United 1, New England Revolution 0. 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs Match Recap". October 19, 2019. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  22. "MLS Goalkeeper of the Year: Minnesota's Mannone beats out D.C. United's Hamid". October 24, 2019. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  23. "Matt Turner named finalist for Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year". November 11, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  24. "Philadelphia Union's Andre Blake named 2020 Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year". November 16, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  25. "Union's season ends with 2–0 playoff loss to New England Revolution". November 24, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  26. "Orlando 1–3 New England". November 29, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
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  28. "Man of the Year Award". The Midnight Riders. March 7, 2012. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  29. "New England Revolution's Matt Turner named 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year". November 22, 2021. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  30. "Arsenal to sign US goalkeeper Turner". BBC Sport.
  31. "Matt Turner set to join Arsenal in summer transfer | New England Revolution". revolutionsoccer.net.
  32. "Official: New England Revolution transfer Matt Turner to Arsenal for summer | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer.
  33. "Gabriel Jesus scores twice as Arsenal fight back to claim preseason win over Nurnberg". July 8, 2022. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  34. "FC Zürich vs. Arsenal-Football Match Report-September 8, 2022". ESPN. September 8, 2022. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
  35. "Arsenal ease to victory over Bodo/Glimt". BBC Sport. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  36. mlssoccer. "Matt Turner earns first clean sheet with Arsenal in Europa League win | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  37. "Saka scores as Arsenal near Europa League knockouts". BBC Sport. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  38. "Xhaka goal edges Arsenal closer to last 16". BBC Sport. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  39. Verri, Matt (October 13, 2022). "Arteta hails 'phenomenal' display from unlikely Arsenal star". Evening Standard. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  40. "Turner makes permanent move to Nottingham Forest". www.arsenal.com. August 9, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  41. "Forest complete signing of Matt Turner". Nottingham Forest F.C. August 9, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  42. "Arsenal unkind to Matt Turner as USMNT keeper makes Nottingham Forest debut". Pro Soccer Wire. August 12, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  43. "Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner backstops US men's team in shutout of Trinidad & Tobago". The Boston Globe. January 31, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  44. "Berhalter Names 26 Player USMNT Roster For 2022 FIFA World Cup". United States Soccer Federation. November 9, 2022. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  45. Bonn, Kyle (November 9, 2022). "USA World Cup 2022 roster: USMNT final squad and possible starting XI for Qatar". Sporting News. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  46. "Making the Case: Matt Turner for BioSteel U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year". United States Soccer Federation. December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  47. "Turner creates history as USA reach knockout stage". Arsenal F.C. November 29, 2022. Retrieved November 30, 2022.
  48. "Pulisic, Turner and Lake take home CNL honors". Concacaf. June 18, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  49. "Turner, Reyna and David lead way in CNL Finals Best XI". Concacaf. June 19, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  50. "Turner's PK heroics send U.S. to Gold Cup semis". ESPN.com. July 10, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  51. Gurvis, Jacob (November 18, 2022). "All the Jewish players and storylines to watch in the 2022 World Cup".
  52. Butler, Dylan (September 2, 2020). "New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner explains his Lithuanian passport and European aspirations". MLSSoccer.com.
  53. "Goalkeeper Matt Turner of USMNT & New England Revolution;". Fútbol with Grant Wahl Podcast. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  54. Yorker, New (February 12, 2022). "Meet new Arsenal star Matt Turner's stunning ex-NFL cheerleader Wag Ashley".
  55. "Matt Turner on Instagram". Instagram.
  56. "U.S. Men's National Soccer Team on Twitter". Twitter.
  57. "U.S. beats Canada to win Nations League as Balogun opens account". ESPN. June 18, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  58. "Matt Turner of U.S. named winner of Best GK Award". CONCACAF. August 2, 2021. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  59. "Turner, Funes Mori named to Best XI". CONCACAF. August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  60. "Pulisic, Turner and Lake take home CNL honors". CONCACAF. June 19, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  61. "Turner, Reyna and David lead way in CNL Finals Best XI". CONCACAF. June 19, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  62. "2021 MLS All-Star Team Roster". MLSsoccer.
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