Matt Turner Returns To Revolution One Year Before 2026 World Cup

"Obviously the [2022] World Cup was amazing, but some of my greatest National Team games happened when I was here playing in New England."

Photo Courtesy of the New England Revolution

Matt Turner is back in a place he calls home, rejoining the New England Revolution on a one-year loan from Lyon that includes a purchase option.

Turner spent seven years in New England before being sold to Arsenal in the summer of 2022. He then had spells with Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.

A return to Major League Soccer became a possibility after his transfer to Lyon hit a snag.

"For me, it was always New England," Turner said. "It was always my home, always coming back here when the opportunity presented itself. It's a good situation and the right time for us."

While Turner’s stint abroad had some highs, including winning the FA Cup title with Crystal Palace during the 2024-25 campaign, the 31-year-old netminder only collected 32 club appearances.

Some of that had to do with circumstance, as Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson were stout competition at Arsenal and Crystal Palace, respectively.

“My European adventure didn’t go perfectly to plan, but I did learn a lot along the way,” Turner said. “I had some misfortunes, I had some opportunities that I didn’t make the most of as well.

“However, I started my beautiful family over there, and I have zero regrets about my time in England, I really love it. So I would never shut the door on a return either, but it’s good to be back here right now.”

Turner, who has 27 clean sheets in 52 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team, wasn’t the first-choice goalkeeper at this summer’s Gold Cup. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino instead opted for New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese.

Turner admitted that there was some frustration, saying, “anytime you’re a competitor and you get the opportunity to play, you want to play,” but he found other ways to add value.

Conversations with Pochettino were productive, as Turner looked to forge relationships and showcase his leadership skills.

Now he has his attention set on regular playing time ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

“Being in New England was the right place for me to continue to hone those skills, to create new relationships, to play games, to find my happiness in the sport,” Turner said. “And then in turn I can give my best to him and to the National Team as well.

“I think if you look back at some of my greatest National Team games, obviously the [2022] World Cup was amazing, but some of my greatest National Team games happened when I was here playing in New England.”

Turner had the opportunity to reunite with Revs fans when he attended the Inter Miami CF game on July 9th. The support brought back plenty of memories.

The Fairfield University product joined the Revolution as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and became a starter in 2018. He had breakout seasons in 2020 and 2021, the latter of which was when he was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.

“I never stopped being a Revolution supporter myself,” Turner said. “This club has meant so much to me and to my family. So, all the great ups and downs over the years, winning Supporters’ Shield, and all those memories, are lifetime working memories.”

Turner’s first opportunity to see game minutes will be this Saturday when D.C. United come to Gillette Stadium. Interestingly, it is the club’s Alumni Night.

“I’ll let the coach make the decision at the end of the day,” Turner said when asked if he will play. “But, I’m eager to integrate myself with the squad, show my qualities to everybody, and earn my place on the field.”