ATLANTA (AP) — Matt Turner scored a goal for the U.S. in Saturday’s friendly against Belgium, increasing the possibility he has a chance to take back the U.S. starting spot from Matt Freeze. world cup.
Turner, 31, was a starter for the U.S. team at the 2022 World Cup but has never played before. national team Freeze, 27, scored in his place at last summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup and had started 12 consecutive games, including all six friendlies last fall.
Turner’s career slowed down as a result of: Transferred from Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution to Arsenal For the 2022-23 season. He did not feature in any Premier League games and only appeared in five Europa League games and two FA Cup games for the Gunners. turner Transferred to Nottingham Forest Then, he lost his starting position midway through the 2023-24 season. Moved on loan to Crystal Palace He became a rarely used backup and then Returned to the revolution last August.
Freeze has been a starter for the New York City MLS team since 2023. The U.S. goaltender was a mainstay from 1990 to 2018, along with Tony Meola. casey kellerBrad Friedel Tim Howardbut the current generation has not been able to get extended starts in Europe’s top teams.
Left-back Anthony Robinson made his first appearance since November 18, 2024 after recovering from a foot injury.
With the Americans without right back Sergiño Dest, defenders Chris Richards and Miles Robinson, and midfielder Tyler Adams injured, manager Mauricio Pochettino started Tim Weah at right back and Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie and Tanner Tessman as central defenders.
Johnny Cardoso and Malik Tillman were in the midfield, Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic were on the wings, and Folarin Balogun was the striker.
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