Matt Turner has proven time and time again that he's the best goalkeeper in Major League Soccer, but during Wednesday night's MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, he revealed himself to be a soothsayer, as well.
"What's my approach?" Turner asked during a first-half, in-game interview with the FS1 broadcast team of John Strong and Stu Holden. "I'm just going to be ready to come on at 60 and see what happens. Hopefully we can get a goal, and who knows? Maybe penalties after."
There was a goal - Jesus Murillo heading home Eduard Atuesta's corner kick in the 53rd minute to pull the MLS All-Stars level with the LIGA MX All-Stars - and there was a penalty shootout, with Turner the hero. The New England Revolution goalkeeper made two saves on five penalty attempts and watched another sail over the crossbar, leading the MLS All-Stars to a 3-2 win in the shootout following a 1-1 draw through 90 minutes.
For his efforts Turner was named the game's MVP, becoming just the second Revolution player to take home MLS All-Star MVP honors along with Taylor Twellman in 2005.
It's yet another milestone in what's been a remarkable summer for Turner, who was named the Best Goalkeeper of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup less than a month ago as he led the U.S. Men's National Team to a title with five shutouts in six games. On Thursday morning the 27-year-old goalkeeper is expected to be named to the U.S. roster for a trio of upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against El Salvador, Canada, and Honduras.
Turner was the hero, but he wasn't the only Revolution representative at Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday night. Gustavo Bou started and played the opening 45 minutes, going close on multiple occasions before being taken off as one of seven halftime substitutions.
Carles Gil and Tajon Buchanan were also named to the MLS All-Star Team, but were unavailable to participate.
Turner and Bou will now return to the Revs ahead of a critical clash with New York City FC on Saturday night at Yankee Stadium, where league-leading New England will kick off against NYCFC at 7:30 p.m. ET (TV38, myRITV).
