On January 19, the New England Revolution announced that standout goalkeeper Matt Turner signed a new 4-year contract with the club or a one-year extension to his current deal. Not only does it add another year to keep Turner with the Revolution for longer hypothetically, but it also gives the Revolution shot-stopper a well-deserved pay raise. The contract is a move that makes sense for both parties. The Revolution are showing their fan base and their star goalkeeper their commitment to keeping him at the club and showing him they have seen his growth in value. From Turner’s side, it is him putting faith in the only club to give him a chance coming out of college, and while it took him a couple of years to get to the starting role, he has kept it since taking it over.

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Turner is coming off a fantastic 2020 season. In 22 games and 22 starts, Matt Turner was a wall the Revolution needed. Turner allowed 24 goals creating a 1.09 goals-against percentage, which was 9th best in MLS and a 76 save percentage, which was 7th best in MLS. The 24 goals around was down three from the previous year in two more games played. Most of these saves were in critical moments, keeping the team in the game. Looking at the Eastern Conference Final, Turner kept Columbus off the board for most of the match. It took a pinpoint accurate shot to beat him. Turner had a new career-high with six clean sheets in the regular season and had another clean sheet in the playoffs.

Turner had another successful season in terms of wins, being in net for eight wins this season. Turner increased his passing completion percentage from 63.7% in 2019 to 70.6% in 2020. This completion percentage was a noticeable increase in the completion percentage and his vision and willingness to restart the play quicker. Turner was also much more vocal and commanding of his area, which was more noticeable due to the lack of crowds at matches. Turner improved passing and control over his box show his steps towards becoming more than just a shot-stopper but a complete goalkeeper.

Due to the 2020 season, his form saw him receive his third call up to US Men’s National Team camp. The news coming out of camp is that Sean Johnson, the goalkeeper not with the U-23 team, picked up a knock, looking that Turner will get his first cap when the US play their friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. To quote USMNT Head Coach Greg Berhalter, Matt Turner’s performance is night and day compared to last January camp. He said his whole game has improved, he’s gained confidence, and his hallmark is his big save ability.” Turner also received a signature pair of goalkeeping gloves from his sponsor West Coast GK, the first goalkeeper in their stable to receive this honor.

With Turner’s name on the rise, there is no doubt in my mind he will eventually head into Europe, but until then, the Revolution and Matt Turner did what was best for both of them in getting this deal done.