Matt Turner Reveals True Feelings On Matt Freese Displacing Him As USMNT's Starting Goalkeeper

Matt Turner has been one of the faces of this new USMNT generation. Turner has already played in a World Cup with Team USA after starting in all four games in Qatar in 2022. The 31-year-old is expected to appear in his second World Cup next year on home soil.

2025 has been a different year for Turner as he sat on the bench for the majority of the season at Crystal Palace and has been involved in a transfer mess involving Nottingham Forest, Lyon, and the NewEngland Revolution.

It was difficult for Turner with the USMNT as well, as he only represented Team USA three times this year. He was called up for the Gold Cup this summer, but played zero games as NYCFC keeperMatt Freese was the first choice for USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

In an interview with FIFA, Turner spoke about his current situation at New England Revolution, and he was asked about his competition in the USMNT position, Matt Freese.

Matt Turner Praises Matt Freese's Development

Matt Turner recognizes the rise of Matt Freese, who has impressed in the Gold Cup and is thriving with NYCFC in the MLS. Turner considers Freese as good competition as the 2026 World Cup gets closer.

Matt Turner: "Matt had a solid Gold Cup. He reminds me a bit of my story in terms of making the most of the opportunity. He's done well in New York, and I have been in camps with him in the past. His story is pretty great. He's doing well, and he's good competition."

Despite the praise for Freese, Turner's objective remains the same: to get significant minutes with the USMNT during the upcoming World Cup. His return to the MLS was fundamental for him, as he plans to earn another World Cup roster call-up in the near future.

Matt Turner: "I have really put everything into performing to the best of my ability over this next year to give myself the best chance to not just be a part of the team, but play meaningful minutes at the World Cup because that's the ultimate goal."

Matt Turner Not Included in Latest USMNT Roster

Despite already starting three games in a row with the New England Revolution since his return this summer, Matt Turner was not called up for the USMNT friendlies against South Korea and Japan in early September.

Mauricio Pochettino called up Matt Freese, along with Jonathan Klinsmann and Roman Celentano. Aside from Freese, Klinsmann, and Celentano never played for the USMNT senior team.