The U.S. men’s national team suffered a major blow when goalkeeper Matt Turner was forced out of Thursday’s Copa América match against Panama with an injury.
Turner was involved in a collision with Panama midfielder César Blackman within the first 11 minutes of the game in Atlanta. A long cross came in from the left side and Turner came out to claim, but Blackman clattered into his leg as he was airborne and the keeper landed hard on his shoulder.
USMNT medical staff examined Turner on the pitch and the 30-year-old was cleared to return to the field. He managed to play the remainder of the half, but was in too much discomfort to continue and had to be replaced by Ethan Horvath at the break.
The USMNT would ultimately fall to a damaging 2-1 defeat, as Tim Weah’s first-half red card proved extremely costly.
After the game, Turner briefly told reporters in the mixed zone that he felt he would be OK, though he didn’t get into his status for Monday’s game against Uruguay.
Matt Turner walking by in the mixed zone : “I’m gonna be alright.” Leg injury. #USMNT
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) June 28, 2024
Watch Turner injury vs. Panama
Matt Turner is slow to get up after taking a hard hit on this play pic.twitter.com/TBZ2kRUj9N
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2024
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