Matt Turner and the challenge of being first-choice goalkeeper for the USMNT but not his club – The Athletic

Sun Mar 23 22:20:00 UTC 2025: ## USMNT Goalkeeper Turner’s Club Bench Role Faces Scrutiny After Nations League Setback

**LOS ANGELES** – USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner’s status as the national team’s number one despite being a backup at Crystal Palace is under renewed scrutiny following a last-minute goal conceded against Panama in the Concacaf Nations League semi-final. The 1-0 defeat, which eliminated the US from the tournament, saw Turner criticized for his positioning on Panama’s only shot on target.

While the loss was a team effort, Turner’s limited playing time at his club has raised questions about his match sharpness. He has made only four starts for Crystal Palace this season, all in cup competitions. Turner acknowledges his club situation “isn’t ideal,” but points to precedents such as Sergio Romero (Argentina) and Wayne Hennessey (Wales), who excelled internationally despite being backups at their clubs.

Experts are divided. While some, like The Athletic’s goalkeeping analyst Matt Pyzdrowski, highlight Turner’s consistently strong performances for the USMNT, minimizing concerns about his lack of regular club minutes, others worry about the potential impact of limited game time on his match readiness and coordination with the backline. The concern centers on the lack of high-pressure game experience that comes with consistent first-team play.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Turner’s training at Palace is primarily geared towards the starting goalkeeper, limiting his opportunities to develop crucial in-game chemistry with teammates. However, his familiarity with the USMNT players and setup mitigates this to some extent.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Turner’s future remains uncertain. His loan spell at Crystal Palace ends in June, and he may need to consider a move to a club where he can secure a starting role to maintain peak performance before the next World Cup. For now, however, his place in the USMNT remains secure, at least for the upcoming third-place play-off against Canada.

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