Matt Turner is back in the United States men’s national team mix. The Revolution goalkeeper was among four netminders named for the squad’s next pair of international friendlies — against Ecuador on Oct. 10 in Austin, Texas, and Australia on Oct. 14 in Commerce City, Colo.
“I’m really excited to be going back with the USMNT,” Turner said Thursday amid preparations for New England’s road finale on Saturday night at Inter Miami. “Fight to play some minutes there … enjoy it, but also understanding that there’s only so many games left to be had before the [2026] World Cup. Every time you step into a camp is another opportunity to make your best case to be on that field when June rolls around.”
The 31-year-old Turner last appeared for the United States on June 11, named captain for a ghastly pre-Gold Cup loss to Switzerland in which the visitors scored four times in the first 36 minutes of a 4-0 rout. He then went unused for all six matches in the tournament, coach Mauricio Pochettino instead playing New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese during the US run to the final.
Turner was not part of Pochettino’s camp for the two American friendlies in September, both of which Freese played.
Turner, who hadn’t appeared in a match since March prior to the Switzerland loss, began a second stint with the Revolution on Aug. 1, returning on loan from France’s Lyon. The Fairfield alumnus and 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year has been a bright spot as New England concludes a second straight non-playoff season, with two shutouts and only 10 goals allowed in eight matches.
His aggressive play sparked the counterattack that ended with Leo Campana’s goal to cap a 2-0 victory over Atlanta United last Saturday at Gillette.
“It’s just been such an asset to have in so many different ways,” interim Revolution coach Pablo Moreira said Thursday. “One of the best goalkeepers this country has. He deserves that callup and we’re very excited for him.”
Turner earned his first national team start in 2021 and played all four US matches at the 2022 World Cup. His 52 appearances for the US are fourth-most on the 26-man October roster, behind Christian Pulisic (80), Tim Ream (77), and Weston McKennie (60).
He’ll join teammates Dor Turgeman (Israel) and Allan Oyirwoth (Uganda) on national team duty, all of whom will depart after the Miami match. The Revolution (9-15-8, 35 points) could have them back in time for their season finale, Oct. 18 at Gillette Stadium against Chicago.
Peyton Miller also is away, with the US squad playing in the Under-20 World Cup in Chile. The 17-year-old almost certainly will not play for New England again this season, though, with an MLS suspension looming after he received a red card Sept. 20 in Philadelphia.
