Matt Turner says Supporters' Shield is a 'great trophy' & talks up NE Revs' season

New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner believes the Supporters' Shield is a "great trophy" for MLS teams to win.

In a league known for its parity with little often separating the top sides from those at the bottom, the Revs have blown away everything before them this season, winning the Shield with a regular-season points record.

MLS Cup obviously remains the biggest prize but, speaking to the Extra Time Podcast ahead of Decision Day, USMNT goalkeeper Turner offered his thoughts on the value of the Shield.

"[The Shield is] a great trophy," said Turner (via MLSsoccer.com). "I think it's a great trophy for this league and it really speaks to consistency throughout the season, and it's an important one for our supporters. So, we've had more subdued celebrations, but this Sunday's looking like it's going to be a great day between us and the fans and celebrating the Shield and all that."

On the importance of the Shield, Turner added: "I think it represents that it's possible in this league. We say that this league is built on parity, and it is, if you look at the tables and the lines and Decision Day, it really is. But if you can take care of business, you can set a new standard and show that it's possible to win games. I think we won 10 games on the road and [12] at home, that's a pretty insane record in any league. It's just another step forward, to try to set a new standard, a new record."

Though winning the Shield is a great achievement for the Revs, they cannot take their foot off the gas yet. Only seven of the previous 25 Supporters' Shield champions have gone to lift MLS Cup, and only one in the last nine (Toronto FC in 2017).

Managing regular-season success with fresh legs in the post-season appears to be a challenge few are cut out for. That said, Revs head coach Bruce Arena appears cut out for the test having been responsible for two of those five Sheild and Cup doubles (1997 with DC United and 2011 with the LA Galaxy).

"I think there is something to that, but it won't be because we're underprepared or haven't taken our opponent seriously," Revs center-back Henry Kessler said of the "Supporters' Shield curse" in a recent exclusive interview with 90min.

"We'll definitely be ready and we won't underestimate our opponent so, hopefully, we can keep that discipline, and carry it into the post-season."

The Revs host Inter Miami on Decision Day before resting up having received a bye straight into the Eastern Conference semi-finals.