MAKING THE CASE: Matt Turner for BioSteel U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year
Turner’s Breakout Campaign Propelled USMNT to Gold Cup Title; Places him Firmly in Goalkeeping Picture Hydrated by BioSteel
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No light is shined brighter on any position more than goalkeeper, and with the results, performances and achievements of a seasoned veteran it’s simply remarkable that this year marked the first for Matt Turner on the USMNT.
Before casting your ballot for U.S. Soccer’s 2021 Player of the Year awards, here’s a rundown of Turner’s body of work for country and club this year:
- He capped his inaugural appearance in style, becoming the first USMNT goalkeeper to save a penalty kick in his debut on Jan. 31 against Trinidad and Tobago.
- Backstopping the United States to the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup title, he kept five clean sheets in six matches and won both the Golden Glove and a spot on the tournament Best XI.
- Won Man of the Match honors in both the Gold Cup Semifinal win against Qatar and Final win against Mexico, where he also wore the captain’s armband during extra time.
- A five-match shutout streak from July 18-Sept. 2 contributed to a total of eight shutouts overall, tying Kasey Keller’s (2005) record for most shutouts by a USMNT goalkeeper in a calendar year.
- With 12 appearances to date, he’s already compiled the most caps by a USMNT goalkeeper in their debut year.
- His successes with the New England Revolution were equally impressive, losing only four matches in 28 games played while amassing 17 wins and five shutouts.
- Marshalling the Revs to their first Supporters Shield trophy, Turner was honored as MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and a member of the Best XI.
- Turner also earned his first MLS All-Star nod and took home the MLS All-Star Game MVP.
This is Turner’s first nomination for Male Player of the Year.