Matt Turner makes a save in practice before the USMNT's Nations League match vs. Cuba. (John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
When Matt Turner enrolled at Fairfield University in 2012, it seemed unlikely he would someday become a starting goalkeeper in MLS, much less receive a call up to the U.S. men’s national team.
Turner had turned down his only scholarship offer (to Bryant University), preferring to apprentice behind New Zealand Olympian Michael O’Keeffe at Fairfield, and didn’t break into the Stags’ starting lineup until his junior year.
But Turner has proven himself with the New England Revolution, making 47 appearances across the last two seasons, impressing enough to earn a USMNT call-up from manager Gregg Berhalter. He made the bench for a pair of Concacaf Nations League games against Canada and Cuba earlier this month.
