Struggles Plague USMNT Goalkeeping Roster Ahead of Concacaf Gold Cup
Persistent Uncertainty Surrounds USMNT Goalkeeping Positions, with Turner Remaining a Major Concern
Things aren't looking so bright for the U.S. Men's National Team goalkeepers these days.
Two goalkeepers, Patrick Schulte of Columbus Crew and Zack Steffen from the Colorado Rapids, selected for training camp and the Concacaf Gold Cup later this month have gone down with injuries. Schulte, who sustained an oblique injury during pregame warm-ups against Charlotte FC on May 24, is expected to be out for two to six weeks[1]. Steffen, on the other hand, suffered a knee injury in training on June 4, forcing his return home. Steffen has made 30 appearances for the USMNT[2].
This leaves veteran Matt Turner and newcomers Matt Freese from New York City FC and Chris Brady from Chicago as the remaining goalkeepers vying for positions on the team. It's worth noting that Freese and Brady have zero senior national team appearances to their names[1].
From Giant Strength to Questionable Future
Historically, the U.S. Men's National Team has boasted great goalkeepers like Tony Meola, Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel, and Tim Howard for over 3 decades. However, their goalkeeping strength seems to have turned into a question mark or even a potential weakness in some circles[3].
With precious years dwindling before the 2026 World Cup, the goalkeeping situation sometimes feels like it'll be determined by attrition. One might even suggest that it could be the last goalkeeper standing who winds up backing the USA next year[3].
As it stands, Turner seems to be in the driver's seat, but he does have issues with his limited playing time. While on loan from Nottingham Forest, the 31-year-old keeper did not see any action for English F.A. Cup champion Crystal Palace throughout the Premier League season. He did, however, play in four cup matches, including three in the F.A. Cup and one in the League Cup. That's nowhere near enough playing time, and the top national team head coach would likely want more from their top keeper[3].
Finding a Top Performer
Turner has stated that he doesn't consider himself the number one goalkeeper all the time, knowing that every opportunity must be fought for. He emphasized the high-quality goalkeepers in the pool, with many MLS goalkeepers performing well. It's essential for Turner, like many others, to find the right team and situation to play in, allowing him to truly showcase his potential and maximize his performance[3].
As the USMNT gears up for friendlies with Turkey on June 7 and Switzerland on June 10, and the Concacaf Gold Cup kicking off against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15, coach Mauricio Pochettino will have to make critical decisions[4]. Questions remain on whether Pochettino will play Turner in all five matches, give Freese or Brady some valuable international experience, or find impressive goalkeeping performances that can propel the team deep into the tournament[4]. Only time will tell if these goalkeepers can rise to the occasion and secure their places on the team before the World Cup.
- Mauricio Pochettino, the coach of the U.S. Men's National Team, faces crucial decisions as they prepare for the Concacaf Gold Cup and upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland.
- With Matt Turner in the driver's seat and Patrick Schulte and Zack Steffen out due to injuries, finding a top goalkeeping performer has become a pressing concern for the USMNT, echoing the team's questionable goalkeeping strength as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
