Former Best GK winners Turner, Blake stage thrilling duel

CHICAGO, Illinois – The group stage of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup kicked off on Saturday in style, with a goalkeeping duel between former Gold Cup Best Goalkeeper winners Andre Blake of Jamaica and Matt Turner of the United States.

Turner took home the tournament’s top goalkeeping honor in the 2021 tournament, helping the U.S. claim their seventh title. The former New England Revolution man is no stranger to going up against Blake, who currently plays with the Philadelphia Union. 

Needless to say, matching skills against one of the top shot-stoppers in the region brought out the best in the U.S. No. 1.

“[Andre] and I have definitely had our battles over the years between Gold Cup and in MLS, so I think the fans got to see some good goalkeeping on display tonight,” said Turner in an exclusive interview with Concacaf.com following Saturday night’s 1-1 draw between the U.S. and Jamaica.

“It's always good to go against the best and test yourself against some of the best players. I always want to play my best when I'm playing against him,” added Turner.

2017 Gold Cup Best GK winner Blake was his usual superb self in the tournament, making three saves, including a reaction save on a Cristian Roldan effort in the second half. 

However, a loose ball deep in the Jamaica area in the 88’ allowed Brandon Vazquez to find a late equalizer for the U.S., leaving Blake feeling frustrated at the final whistle.

“I think we lacked the killer instinct. We needed to score that second goal, we had the chances, unfortunately when you let a good U.S. team hang around, playing in the U.S., they are always one goal away from getting back into the game and tonight we weren’t able to get that second goal and close the game out,” said Blake in a post-match interview.

“We got a little tired at the end because we have a lot of guys in Europe who are out of season, but hopefully as the tournament goes on, we’ll get fitter,” added Blake.”

While Blake’s saves were spread throughout the contest, Turner’s big moment came midway through the first half when he made a diving save to his left to save a penalty struck by Leon Bailey.

It just so happens that during this Gold Cup former Jamaica GK Ryan Thompson is serving as the U.S. goalkeepers’ coach and his inside knowledge aided Turner in his penalty-stopping preparation.

“Ryan's helped me a ton getting ready for this game. It’s been great to get to know him and get a new perspective. He definitely helped me get ready for this game and what it was going to take emotionally. He was the one who told me who he thought was going to take the penalty and where he was going to go. It was a big moment for him a big moment for me and I'm excited to continue to work with him,” said Turner.