B.J. Callaghan hails Matt Turner for "stepping up" for USMNT against Canada
- Matt Turner saved two penalties in the win over Canada
- B.J. Callaghan praised Turner’s performance and leadership
- Turner has proven that the No. 1 shirt is his to lose
The US men's national team advanced to the 2023 Gold Cup final after a narrow win against Canada - thanks to goalkeeper Matt Turner's heroics throughout the game.
Turner, who has started all of the USMNT's games this Gold Cup, led by example during the match against the Northern rivals when stopping two penalties. The 29-year-old has conceded just three goals in four games in the competition, keeping two shutouts as well to earn the praise from interim manager B.J. Callaghan.
"With Matt, I didn't have to say much. He goes right into his preparation mode. He has a great team of people that are preparing him for the penalty kick shootout. He's going to be prepared and that's what he was focused on. And then he had the last word before we went out to midfield. It's just encouraging the guys to stay calm, stay committed to what they've practiced," Callaghan said.
"He just makes big plays. He started in the Jamaica game. He's the captain right now leading us and those are the moments you expect big players to step up."
Turner's heroics from the penalty spot shouldn't be surprise given his save record. After the game, the Arsenal goalkeeper has now saved 11 out of 25 penalties that he's faced (44%) in his career. Interestingly enough, Turner didn't make a single save in normal and extra time against Canada.
Canada defender Steven Vitoria placed a last-minute penalty in extra time right down the middle to bring the score to 2-2. But Turner would end up having the last laugh.
"The first one felt really, really good because I wish I stopped his [in second-half stoppage time]," Turner said.
"I wanted to stay in the middle in the end of the game and last minute, I felt like he was gonna whip it so I dove to my right. I was frustrated. So this time, I knew I was just going to try to hold and I came up with a really good save."
The Stars and Stripes are going to need that same level of performances from Turner as they next face off against Panama in the semifinal on July 12.