Matt Turner Saves Penalty, Earns Shutout in USMNT Debut

There was very little pressure on the United States Men’s National Team in the second half of their 7-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago. The hosts scored early and often, and made only one mistake on the entire night when Andres Perea fouled T&T’s Ryan Tefler in the 65th minute with a high boot.

Alvin Jones stepped up and tried to accomplish what the legendary Nani could not do for Orlando City just a few short months ago. He too was unsuccessful.

New England Revolution keeper Matt Turner’s penalty stop was his only save and legitimate action on the night as the US was dominant from start to finish, limiting the Soca Warriors to just two total shots, about 28% possession and just 65% passing with the PK attempt being the only one on target.

Jesus Ferreira had a huge night, scoring twice and assisting on three others as the USMNT had three multi-goal games with Paul Arriola and Jonathan Lewis notching doubles as well. Centerback Miles Robinson added a diving header for his first international goal as well.

But in New England, the highlight will be Matt Turner’s penalty heroics once again as he looks to stake his claim on the US keeper depth chart which is very wide open aside from Manchester City and former Columbus Crew keeper Zack Steffan.

Full credit to the Trinidad and Tobago team as well, who accepted this game on short notice and have had little in the way of training camps and no domestic soccer due to the pandemic.

The USMNT will likely have a European based training camp at some point before the summer, but there is the CONCACAF Nations League finals this summer, the Gold Cup starting in mid-July, World Cup qualifying in fall and U23 Olympic qualifying as well if such things are permitting this year.

Hopefully plenty of more games with Matt Turner wearing #1 for the USMNT.