Could Matt Turner Return to MLS? Best Team Fits for the USMNT Goalkeeper

Matt Turner has had an unconventional rise from becoming the starter during a World Cup match for the USMNT to going to Europe to become a starter.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case for the USA goalkeeper, who has struggled to find a team that is not just willing to start him but even keep him on the roster.

He spent last season at Crystal Palace FC while being owned by Nottingham Forest FC. He was brought in last season to Nottingham Forest to be the full-time starter.

After a handful of starts, Turner was benched due to his lack of ability to play out of the back and become a sweeper keeper. Turner is a keeper who likes to stay home and just make saves, as he has struggled to use his feet in an effective way.

He signed for Lyon in France a few weeks ago, but they ran into sanctions that caused financial struggles that have forced the club to bring in lawyers to terminate his contract.

That has brought up the conversation of bringing Matt Turner back to the MLS and possibly back to his former stomping grounds.

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New England Revolutions

Matt Turner got his big break with New England after spending time with the Richmond Kickers. From being on the not top 10 to being a pro keeper in America’s top league is not something the young American ever thought would happen.

That’s why Turner going back to New England would be good for the keeper. With Europe being too steep a challenge, causing him to lose his form during national team play, because he is never playing for his club.

In New England, he would be starting each week and would be one of the very best goalkeepers in the MLS. I’m sure Turner and his agent ideally want to stay in Europe, hoping there is a club that can use him better than his past two clubs have.

It will also help his confidence, becoming a fan favorite again, despite New England being one of the worst teams in the league and most likely out of the playoff race, Turner could just focus on returning to form and improving his feet ahead of the World Cup next year.

DC United

I could also see Turner going to a struggling DC United team that is looking for an upgrade at kicker, as their season has not turned out the way they expected. DC held off using their DP spots in hopes of bringing in Paul Pogba, who they believed would have signed with them if he made the move to MLS.

With this not being the case and not spending any money on talent, it has reflected on their record and their standing on the table.

Turner would get all the minutes at keeper in DC and would get a lot of work blocking shots as well. Though the move to New England makes more sense, this is another option that could benefit Turner as a player as he tries to get more minutes.

Right now, for Turner, it is all about proving he can be an everyday keeper who can contribute to a winning club.

Main Photo

Credit IMAGO / NurPhoto

Recording Date 16.05.2025

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