Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner struggled last night as USA were beaten 2-1 by Trinidad and Tobago. The stopper has kept his place on the international stage despite losing it at club level.
Things started brightly for the USA. They took the lead through Fulham defender Antonee Robinson in the 26th minute and things were expected to be pretty routine from there.
However, goals from Reon Moore and Alvin Jones either side of half-time, stunned the USA. Forest star Turner could have perhaps done better with both goals and perhaps his confidence has begun to stutter somewhat.
Turner struggles during international defeat
It can’t be easy to lose your place and furthermore, it can’t be easy to watch the player who has replaced you play well. Don Goodman raved about Odysseas Vlachodimos against West Ham and the place now looks like his at Forest.
Turner’s showing for the USA last night certainly won’t have given Steve Cooper too many selection headaches. He was criticised by two publications for his performance against the CONCACAF outfit Trinidad and Tobago.
The MLS wrote on their website: “Turner didn’t cover himself in glory on either of the Socca Warrior’s goals. On the first, he was beaten at the near post after seeming to lose his footing. On the second, he got both hands onto a free kick from Alvin Jones, and whilst it was a well-struck shot, it’s a save that a player of his calibre should make every time.”
ESPN agreed and claimed: “The Nottingham Forest goalkeeper could have done better on both goals he conceded, especially the second.”
Turner now firmly the second fiddle at Forest
It’s hard not to feel a bit of sympathy for Turner. He started the campaign well but from the moment Vlachodimos came in, he’s started to feel the heat a little bit.
His error against Liverpool proved the final straw for Turner. Vlachodimos came in for the following game against Aston Villa and produced an effortless performance to keep a clean sheet.
Turner will now likely remain as the second in command between the posts for Forest this season. It’s important to have two good goalkeepers at the club and the player will hope that perhaps the FA Cup offers him another chance to play during 2023/24.
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