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Sunday was an amazing night for United States Men’s National Team fans. The Americans were able to win the CONCACAF Nations League and a new star emerged at goalkeeper.
When talking about the No.1 goalkeeper for the USMNT, most of the conversation surrounded Zack Steffen. The Man City keeper had a lock on the position up until recently.
New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner got his first start for the stars and stripes earlier in the year. Playing in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago (who were recently knocked out of 2022 World Cup qualifying) Turner got his first international win making a key save on a penalty kick.
While Revolution fans know how talented he is, Turner proved on an international level just how great of a goalkeeper he is. The conversation around Turner being the possible top goalkeeper for the United States extended outside of New England and gained some traction.
But a new challenger has emerged. With his performance against Mexico, Ethan Horvath staked a claim for more playing time.
Horvath came on as a substitute after Steffen went down with a non-contact knee injury. What happened next was unbelievable. Horvath made some great saves including stopping a crucial PK.
In an important and intense Final, the 25-year-old came up big. He was thrust into the spotlight and he delivered.
The New England Revolution seem to be preparing to be without Turner during the Gold Cup, but now fans have to wonder if Horvath will play.
With the competition taking place during the preseason for European clubs, it will be difficult for the USMNT to get their top stars on the roster. Fans should expect an MLS heavy roster for the tournament.
It still seems like Turner will get the call-up. Steffen’s injury increased the odds from 100 percent to 110 percent likely.
With Horvath likely not making the roster for the tournament as he looks for a new club, Turner will have to be dominant in the Gold Cup. Now he’s not just competing against Steffen, he’s also competing against Horvath. The Revolution goalkeeper will have to prove far and away that he is better than Horvath whose efforts got the United States a trophy.
So while it was a great performance to watch, Revs fans will be wondering if Matt Turner’s chances to be the USMNT’s top goalkeeper have taken a hit with the emergence of Horvath.