Matt Turner shines bright in LA at 2021 MLS All-Star Game

No offense to Gustavo Bou, but there is only one Revolution player worth talking about after the 2021 MLS All-Star Game (Bou actually looked well and showed some flashes of speed, it’s a shame he couldn’t get a goal).

Matt Turner once again came up clutch when it mattered most and helped the MLS All-Star team defeat the Liga MX All-Star squad in penalties.

This recent round of penalties provided a new challenge for the goalkeeper. With it being an exhibition matchup he didn’t have a ton of data on the penalty takers. He told the media after the match that he just kind of shut his mind off, read some context clues, and went with his gut.

It’s safe to say that his gut paid off as MLS was victorious and Turner was named MVP of the game. After the match he talked about his first MLS All-Star experience.

“It was a great experience to be here (and) be amongst some of the league’s best,” said Turner. “Guys that I used to watch on TV, (to) get to develop relationships with them, it was a really special part (of the experience). I was just enjoying myself out there.”

Philadelphia Union goalkeeper and fellow All-Star Andre Blake was asked about his experience watching Turner in net and while he said it was a unique one, he also gave Turner a special message.

“It’s always a little bit nervous when you are in a penalty shootout, especially when you are not in so you don’t really have the control,” Blake said. “I went over to Matt and I said to him ‘It’s your time to shine, just go out there and do your thing,’ and he went out there and made a few big saves for us and I’m very happy for that.”

With Turner once again prevailing in penalties fans must be wondering what the goalkeeper’s secret is. Well, it’s not as scientific as one might think.

“I always say relax and enjoy the penalty kick shootouts,” said the Revolution goalkeeper. “Luckily I was able to guess the right way on a couple of them, make the saves, and we came out on top.”

The week could get even better with the USMNT roster for upcoming World Cup Qualifiers being announced on Thursday. With Turner having a rather good chance of making the roster, New England Revolution fans will be left missing Turner after the upcoming NYCFC game on Saturday.

2021 has been the year of Matt Turner and his performance in LA proved that once again.