World Cup Qualifiers: USMNT wins and so does Matt Turner

After struggling against Panama, The United States Men’s National Team was able to get back to their winning ways on Wednesday night defeating Costa Rica 2-1 and it’s safe to say that Matt Turner won as well.

The game couldn’t have started worse for the USMNT and Zack Steffen as Costa Rica scored a minute into the match. With Turner not starting, it couldn’t have been a better start for his case to be the top goalkeeper for the United States.

Keysher Fuller’s goal wasn’t anything spectacular. 99 times out of 100, Turner makes that save. Steffen showed that starting a goalkeeper who doesn’t get consistent playing time for his club might be a mistake.

The tide would start to turn as Sergino Dest found the back of the net in the 25th minute to tie the game.

It was exactly the type of goal you expect from a player currently at Barcelona. Dest launched the ball into the top left corner of the net and there was nothing that Keylor Navas could do to stop the shot.

Besides tying the game, the goal was also important as it was the first the USMNT had scored in the first half in 9 games. Hopefully that streak won’t happen again anytime soon.

The U.S. eventually found the winning goal as Timothy Weah rocketed a ball off the right post and off Leonel Moreira who replaced Navas to give the USMNT a 2-1 lead.

While Turner didn’t play, it seems quite likely that he gained some favor on the international level. When you compare the two’s recent performances, the New England Revolution goalkeeper has been the best out of the bunch.

Now Turner can turn his focus back to New England’s MLS Cup run and the USMNT can feel comfortable sitting in second behind Mexico in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying.