Matt Turner returns from injury for the New England Revolution

Matt Turner is back. 

After almost three months on the sidelines, the US men’s national team goalkeeper has returned to the pitch for the New England Revolution. He made his long-awaited 2022 MLS season debut on Saturday, keeping a clean sheet in the 2-0 victory over Inter Miami at Gillette Stadium. 

Turner was initially ruled out after suffering tendonitis during the USMNT’s World Cup qualifying match against Honduras at Allianz Field, when playing in sub-zero temperatures. Things then took a turn for the worse when Turner participated in the preseason match against LAFC, worsening his foot injury and extending his time on the injury list.  

But now the goalkeeper has returned for the Eastern Conference side. While his contributions against Inter Miami were limited to just three saves, Bruce Arena admitted his presence was felt beyond the goal. 

“I think he’s an experienced goalkeeper, he plays with a lot of confidence and he gives the guys in front of him a lot of confidence," New England's head coach and sporting director said of Turner's return.

"And, you know, maybe one of those chances tonight, he had to make a decent save. I think it was in the first half, but for the most part he wasn’t tested a whole lot. But I think he gives the group confidence and it’s a good first game back because he hasn’t played, I believe, since February. We’ve been a little bit concerned about rushing him in too early and obviously he showed tonight that he’s pretty comfortable getting back in there.”

Turner echoed Arena’s post-match sentiments, confirming he was ready to take on the full 90 minutes. 

"It felt pretty good. I don't think the coaching staff would have put me out there if they didn't like what they saw in training the past – I’ll call it two weeks,” said Turner of his first start of the 2022 campaign.

“So yeah, playing 90 is much different. You know, you're on your feet for a while, you're moving around. But no, I felt good out there. I was ready for the game. The first half did feel like it took forever, but overall happy with how I was feeling, how I performed, and how the team performed, more importantly."

But while Turner’s return may help the Revolution out of their slump, the team must find a long term solution. The USMNT goalkeeper has approximately eight more fixtures with the Revolution before departing to the Premier League to feature for Arsenal. 

During his time on the sidelines, Arena tested out goalkeepers Earl Edwards Jr. and Brad Knighton as replacements but the two struggled. New England also signed Serbian goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic in early April with the hopes of a permanent replacement, but he has yet to secure his place. 

In the meantime, Turner will continue to hold it down as the Revolution attempt to climb into the top seven sides of the Eastern Conference.