The Revs put down NYCFC 3-2 on Saturday night, using some late drama. While the attack got hot, Matt Turner was the one putting on a show. Turner’s acrobatic saves at every juncture of the match carried the Revolution to grab all three points. Turner is widely gaining more respect across the league, and has built a reputation of being perhaps the best goalkeeper in MLS.
“He’s incredible. He’s incredible,” midfielder Tommy McNamara said of the Revs’ keeper. “He proves it game in, and game out. In my opinion, he’s the best goalkeeper in the league.”
The former NYCFC player Tommy McNamara also scored the game winning goal in the match, coming in minute 88. Carles Gil and Tajon Buchanan’s creation led to an easy tap in inside the box. Though, McNamara isn’t the only one that believes Turner is the league’s finest goalkeeper. The outstanding performance caught coach Bruce Arena’s eye, among the rest of his teammates.
“Matt is an excellent goalkeeper,” said head coach Bruce Arena. “The penalty kick save was awesome. A couple of the saves in the first half and second half were remarkable, as well. He gave us an outstanding effort.”
“I’m not surprised,” said center back Jon Bell, who scored his first MLS goal in the win. “To me, he was MVP of the game. Just starting off with the PK save in the first half – he just made ridiculous saves today. He was MVP for us today, really. He does it in practice. It doesn’t surprise me. In the games, you just sit there and you’re like, ‘man, that’s crazy.’ He’s MVP for the game today.”
On the note of Jon Bell, it would be criminal not to mention the rookie’s first career MLS goal. Carles Gil’s inch perfect cross found his powerful head, which was then the leading goal in a 2-1 game. Arena has given Bell a shot as of late, likely because of the left footed ability Jon possesses. When Henry Kessler is paired with Farrell, both center backs have dominant right feet, meaning less versatility.
The New England Revolution continue their cruise at the top of the Eastern Conference table, five points clear of any other team. The games will be coming more often throughout the summer months. New England will continue action on Wednesday night when they host the Red Bulls. They will then visit FC Dallas on Sunday night for one of the few East-West matchups of 2021.