Matt Turner Makes First Crystal Palace Start in EFL Cup Clash Against Aston Villa
Matt Turner, the goalie for the U.S. Men’s National Team, finally returned to competitive club play as he started Crystal Palace’s EFL Cup Round 4 match against Aston Villa. Turner has not played in a professional match since starting against Manchester United in the FA Cup on February 28. Turner had joined Palace on loan from Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window.
The Year of Limited Club Play for Turner
Turner’s club minutes decreased after Matz Sels, who signed from Strasbourg, took his starting spot at Forest in January. He has still continued to play for the USMNT on a regular basis, helping them win the 2024 Concacaf Nations League title and making appearances in games against Panama and Mexico in October under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
With 10 caps for the USMNT in 2024 compared to just five at the club level, Turner’s consistency for the national team stands in stark contrast to his club performances.
