Former Fairfield goalkeeper joining Premier League’s Arsenal
Former Fairfield University and current U.S. Men's National Team goalkeeper Matt Turner has signed a long-term contract with Arsenal in the English Premier League after spending six years with the New England Revolution in MLS.
“Watching Arsenal as a kid, I fell in love with the way the team plays and the values of this club,” Turner said in a video shared on the club's Twitter page. “It felt like a long shot, but why not dream of putting my team's shirt on one day? So I dedicated my life to working at my game and being the best player and person that I could be. I was able to realize a dream and this is one of the best days of my life.”
Arsenal is one of the EPL's most prestigious and successful teams, with 13 league titles, a record 14 FA Cups, two League Cups, 16 FA Community Shields, the League Centenary Trophy, one European Cup Winners' Cup, and one Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
“Matt is an experienced goalkeeper who will bring high quality to our squad,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
told Arsenal.com. “He has shown with his performances in recent years in both the MLS and at international level with the United States that he is a goalkeeper who will give us added strength going into next season. We welcome Matt and his family to the club and we look forward to working together in the years to come.”
After graduating from Fairfield in 2016, Turner played one season for Jersey Express in the US Premier Development League before signing with the Revolution.
The 28-year old Turner has
played in 18 matches for the USMNT, picking up 14 wins and posting 13 shutouts.
He started all six matches as the USMNT won the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup and has been a key piece as the team qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Turner, a New Jersey native, played in 102 matches for the Revolution over six years, being named MVP of the team in 2020.
In 2021, Turner was selected for to play in the 2021 MLS All-Star Game, where he saved two penalties and was voted MVP.