'Exactly what Matt Turner needed' - Alexi Lalas praises goalkeeper's clean sheet in New England Revolution return amid USMNT No. 1 battle

Former U.S. star Alexi Lalas praised Matt Turner’s clean sheet in New England’s 2-0 win over D.C. United, noting its significance as the USMNT’s starting goalkeeper spot remains unsettled. Turner, on loan from Olympique Lyon, made several key saves in his return to the Revolution.

“Obviously the big story was Matt Turner back,” Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. “I think he understands better than anybody that this is important and that he still is in the mix right now says a lot about the goalkeepers that haven't stepped up.

“And I know Matt Freeze had a good summer, but I don't necessarily think he's the answer. And I think if Matt Turner plays and plays well, and he did play well the other night, obviously got a shutout, albeit against a D.C. United team that is not very good.”

The analyst highlighted that while the Revolution aren’t in the best shape, if Turner keeps up his performances and plays consistently, he’ll eventually solidify his position as the USMNT’s No. 1.

“But at this point, beggars can't be choosers, and New England has not been good,” Lalas added. “So, they got the 2-0 win. Matt Turner got the shutout. And I think that will, if he continues, lead to him being still with the incumbent and solidifying his position. And this is exactly what Matt Turner needed and maybe exactly what the New England Revolution needed going forward.”

Despite Matt Freese doing well at the Gold Cup, the USMNT have no clear No. 1 goalkeeper with Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, Patrick Schulte and Chris Brady all in the mix for the position. However, many critics and fans believe that Turner and Steffen are the frontrunners for the position.

Turner will focus on building consistency with New England as the MLS season progresses and will face LAFC on Aug. 16 before travelling to face Columbus Crew on Aug. 23.