Matt Turner. Believe the hype. If it were not for the brilliance of the New England keeper on Saturday night, the result might have been different for NYCFC. Turner made amazing save after amazing save to deny NYCFC the goals they needed and New England solidified their place on top of the east with a 2-3 win.
NYCFC looked good from the start coming off their international break with a fell healthy squad and dominating the first 20 minutes of the game. It was the first start for Talles Magno the young Brazilian star the club just signed before the break and the excitement was palpable in the stadium as a fully loaded NYCFC took the pitch. The team was sharp and crisp with their attack wrongfooting the New England defense from the start. Everything was going their way and in the 12th minute Jesus Medina was brought down in the box and the team’s goal leader, Valentin Castellanos, stepped up to take the penalty that seemingly would put NYCFC deservedly on top. Matt Turner had other ideas. The New England keeper denied Castellanos from the spot and then denied him again just moments later at point blank range. After the second save the life went out of NYCFC a bit and New England was able to claw back into the game.
All they needed was one good look and in the 27th minute Gustavo Bou hit a screamer of a shot through two NYCFC defenders and past Sean Johnson to give New England the lead. It would stay that way until halftime with Turner denying NYCFC time and time again as they knocked on the door.
At half Ronny Deila swapped young Brazilian for young Brazilian with Magno making way for Thiago. It was the first chance to see NYCFC’s lesser hyped signing take the pitch and he did not disappoint, scoring just ten minutes into the half off an assist by Maxi Moralez. The game was 1-1 and NYCFC was looking dangerous again but Turner stepped up is game and rose to the challenge. Castellanos seemed frustrated when he was subbed off after 76 minutes for Ismael Tajouri-Shradi.
Jun 19, 2021; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York City FC forward Thiago Andrade (8) controls the ball against the New England Revolution during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
New England again took the lead just minutes after with a really nice build up play between Carlos Gil and John Bell. But NYCFC would not be denied it seemed and Tajouri-Shradi evened the score in the 85th minute with a goal off a corner. It seemed that NYCFC was destined to win it after all but, again, Matt Turner made a spectacular save keeping Moralez from scoring the go-ahead goal.
Turner’s work was rewarded as former NYCFC fan favorite, Thomas McNamara, drove a dagger through the heart of NYCFC fans by scoring with just two minutes left in regulation. Again NYCFC pressed and got chances but it was Turner who stopped them. NYCFC had 9 shots on goal during the game. Turned stopped 7 of them and most of the time in tremendous fashion.
Ronny Deila was rueful after the game. “I feel today that we’ve been more open than we have been in the other games. I felt like we never had full control of the game defensively but offensively we were dangerous and created chances. We can talk as much as we want but we have to take chances when we have them. “
In a game where both team’s keepers are vying to be the number one for the USMNT at this summer’s Gold Cup , Turner made his case more profoundly. He is the best pure shot stopper in MLS and that is taking nothing away from Johnson who made some great saves as well during the match. In the end, though, it was Turner’s play who kept New England in the game and gave them the chance they needed to steal points on the road. NYCFC won’t have much time to mourn though as they have a quick turn around and play Atlanta on Wednesday night. After Turner’s performance on Saturday, NYCFC fans are hoping Guzan has lost a step or two for sure.
