ATLANTA — Saturday looked like a lifeline of sorts for Matt Turner after the USMNT’s first-choice keeper in 2022 had played just once for his country in the last year, losing the No. 1 job to Matt Freese.
But Turner, with a full U.S. first team in front of him, got the nod Saturday against Belgium. It’s hard to say he did much with it.
No, Turner was not primarily at fault in the 5-2 defeat to Belgium. Even the harshest critic wouldn’t say that after the U.S. back line struggled and after coach Mauricio Pochettino said Tim Weah needed more help against Jeremy Doku.
Still, five goals against is five goals against.
“I think it was difficult for him when you concede five goals,” Pochettino said. “Of course, only player we need to blame is [all of us] together, first myself and then the whole team. It’s not if you concede the goal, it’s only the keeper.”
Turner did stop five of the 10 shots Belgium got off, and outside of a penalty kick, didn’t look primarily at fault for any of the goals aside from Zeno Debast’s opener. He couldn’t locate Debast’s shot from well outside the box through traffic.
“We needed to lay our bodies on the line a little bit more defensively,” Turner said. “Of course, I wish I could’ve made one or two more saves. We all have to look into the mirror, be self-aware and evaluate ourselves. We can’t hide from it.”
If it’s a question of whether Turner hurt his case to be Freese’s primary backup, maybe not so much. As for whether he did anything to overtake the NYCFC keeper? Definitely not.
“I’m always gonna evaluate myself very fairly,” Turner said. “I’ve stood in front of here and criticized myself many times, but tonight I did feel like I had some really good moments. I was able to make some good saves. I wish I could have one or two of them back, because I don’t think the scoreline really reflected the balance or flow of the game.”
Johnny Cardoso’s substitution after 45 minutes was planned ahead of time, Pochettino said, indicating he’s been “uncomfortable in some areas of his body” throughout the week.
Pochettino said that Tanner Tessmann “can do better” after the midfielder failed to make much impact on the proceedings.
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