SBI USMNT Man of the Match: Matt Turner

The U.S. men’s national team came close to suffering a first Concacaf Gold Cup group stage loss since 2011 on Saturday, but Matt Turner’s key first-half contributions helped the Americans stay alive to earn one point in Chicago.

Turner’s penalty-kick save on Leon Bailey in the first half proved crucial in the USMNT’s 1-1 Group A draw with Jamaica at Soldier Field. The Arsenal goalkeeper made two saves in total, earning SBI USMNT Man of the Match honors in the process.

After Damion Lowe’s early header boosted the Reggae Boyz in front, Turner came up clutch to keep the Americans down by just one goal. Turner dove to his left to punch away Bailey’s penalty kick shot, keeping the Americans from falling down 2-0 before halftime.

The USMNT would use an 88th minute equalizer from Brandon Vazquez to earn one point on home soil. Turner’s key save was crucial in the result, giving the Americans some confidence heading into Wednesday’s showdown with Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Turner edged out James Sands, DeAndre Yedlin, and Vazquez for Man of the Match honors.

What did you think of Turner’s performance? How crucial did you think his penalty kick save was?

Share your thoughts below.