Usseglio: Return of the Keeper

Walking in a Turner wonderland

Photo By J. Alexander Dolan

The New England Revolution did not qualify for the Leagues Cup this season, which meant they had a bye week this past weekend.

After the devastating loss to Montréal, fans were left wondering if there would be any significant news before the Revs next game against D.C. United. There have been statements made by two Revolution supporter groups, the Midnight Riders and Rebellion, making their frustrations known to the organization. The poor results, especially at home, have prompted fans to demand change.

I certainly share in the disappointment voiced by the Midnight Riders and Rebellion. The team has not been good enough and their place in the standings is not acceptable. As has been said, it feels like we at the point where enough is enough.

Despite this sentiment, I have a sneaking suspicion that nothing will change. In fact, it seems likely that head coach Caleb Porter and sporting director Curt Onalfo will see out the rest of the year. Even if the poor results continue, who knows if that will be enough to end their time in New England.

It could very well be the case that they will get another year in charge after their complete overhaul of the roster last offseason. It is a real possibility that president Brian Bilello sees 2025 as a transition year, and that he wants to give Porter and Onalfo more time with the roster they constructed.

It is impossible for us to know, given the lack of communication from Bilello or anyone else in the organization about the state of the team. In that vacuum, all we can do is speculate.

So, as you might guess, I have been feeling pessimistic about the state of the team and any prospect of things getting better. I am disheartened but not surprised by the lack of changes in the leadership of the club.

What I am surprised by is the return of fan favorite and goalie extraordinaire, Matt Turner. I am a big fan of Turner. He is one of our own. Drafted and developed by the Revs out of Fairfield University, Turner has reached heights that I don’t think any of us could have imagined when he signed back in 2016.

We have watched Turner become the best keeper in MLS. We have seen him move to Arsenal, one of the biggest clubs in the world. We have seen him start for the United States Men’s National Team in a World Cup. Watched him play at the highest levels in the game.

We have also seen Turner struggle. He challenged himself, going to a club like the Gunners. He was a backup to Aaron Ramsdale, no shame in that. After one year at Arsenal, we saw Turner get a move to Nottingham Forest. While there was an opportunity to compete for and solidify his place as the number one, unfortunately that is not how things worked out.

Looking for playing time, Turner then went on loan to Crystal Palace, playing behind Dean Henderson. While Turner was able to get minutes during cup competitions, he still was not in a situation to break through and get consistent minutes.

The lack of minutes must have been incredibly frustrating. The impact of not playing certainly affected Turner’s level and selection in the national team. Case in point was New York City FC keeper Matt Freese taking over the number one spot from Turner during the past Gold Cup.

After a couple of difficult years professionally, it seemed like things were starting to look up for Turner. He got a move from Nottingham Forest to Lyon, a team perennially in the mix in the French Ligue 1. Then, financial tumult struck and Turner found himself in need of a new club.

Part of my surprise is that there was not another team in Europe that saw Turner as a potential starter. Maybe the timing of everything was an issue, or it could be that his stock has really fallen over the past couple of seasons.

I am happy that a return to MLS for Turner means a return to the Revs. To the team where he developed and succeeded as a player. You could feel that appreciation and love for the club in the press conference for his return. You also got the sense that this was business. That Turner is hell bent on returning to a high level and fighting for the starting spot in the National Team to play in the World Cup next summer.

We are all unexpectedly walking in a Turner Wonderland once again. We must enjoy it while it lasts. It is clear this may be a short stint, not necessarily a return for good. Turner made that clear in his statements; he still has a lot of his career ahead of him and does not want to close any doors to returning to Europe.

For the Revs sake, it might be a good thing if he returns to Europe soon. That would mean he found his level again, which should not only help the Revs get results but could also catapult him to the number one spot for the National Team.

We all know the quality Turner has a keeper. He should be an improvement over Aljaž Ivačič, who has played decently for the Revs this season. Turner is simply at another level, at least when he is at the top of his game.

It is hard to know how well Turner will play out of the gate, and whether he will get the start against D.C. United. It would be a fitting return, playing in front of the home crowd on Alumni Night for the Revolution.

I don’t know how much this unforeseen signing will change the fortunes of the Revs. There are only ten games remaining in the regular season and New England is ten points behind the Chicago Fire, who hold the last play in spot for the playoffs.

The coach is still the same. The system is still the same. The sporting director is still the same. Should we now expect different results because of one signing?

Maybe Turner will have some magic up his sleeves and can help drive the Revs forward. In any case, I think we can all agree that it will be nice to watch him back on the field for the Revolution, trying to find his top form once again.