If there's one place that the U.S. men's national team has thrived at, it's between the posts.From Kasey Keller to Tim Howard, Tony Meola to Brad Guzan, it always seems like the Stars and Stripes have had an absolute rock Tevin Coleman Jersey in front of goal.Howard's exploits in the 2014 World Cup indicate just how important it is to have a stout shot-stopper in the center of goal.Enter Matt Turner. The 28-year-old has come out the woodwork in recent years to snatch the No. 1 jersey from contenders Zack Steffen and Ethan Horvath. Now, he's poised to lead Gregg Berhalter's side from the back, another highlight in a career ascension unlike any other.MORE: With that, here's everything you need to know about Turner, the gifted goalie hoping to emerge as the latest Minister of Defense in goal for the U.S. Gregg Berhalter opted to give Matt Turnerthe No. 1 kit for the 2022 World Cup, the latest in a string of positive developments for the talented shot-stopper.Turner's development resembles that of a physically gifted basketball or football player rather than that of the traditional American soccer star. He only started playing the sport at 16, gravitating towards the diamond and hardwood at first."I know it's unlikely, but then I know once you step on that field no one cares if you didn't start playing soccer until you were 16." 's Matt Turner talks about his 'crazy' start in soccer that has led him to a FIFA World Cup FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) His ability was clear for all to see; after just two years of formal playing, Turner nabbed a spot on Division I minnow Fairfield. He bided his time on the bench, even giving away this howler of a goal as a sophomore:He kept plugging away beneath the shadows, though, earning all-conference honors as a senior.That didn't quite translate Ashtyn Davis Jersey to immediate profe sional succe s, admittedly. Turner went undrafted in the MLS SuperDraft. He did, however, bag a tryout with the New England Revolution. And he did just enough to earn a profe sional deal as the team's third-string net-minder.He was seen as an afterthought, seemingly set for an ody sey of a profe sional career in the rece ses of the American soccer pyramid.MORE:That didn't happen, though. By the end Joe Klecko Jersey of 2019, Turner was the Revs' starting 'keeper. By 2020, he secured his first call-up to the senior national team. And after a series of unfortunate events left Steffen out of the national team side when World Cup qualifying began last September, Turner made the net his own.Turner's strong showings in goal for both country and club Turner's gave up 27.7 fewer goals than would have been expected during his time in New England based on post-shot expected goals brought interest from abroad. In 2022, he inked a deal with Premier League side Arsenal.And despite not making appearance in the league yet, Turner has impre sed in limited minutes, allowing just one goal in four Europa League games. Turner, a 28-year-old,is something of a late bloomer on a U.S. squad brimming with youth. However, goalkeepers famously have shown the ability to play later into their careers just look at Gianluigi Buffon. Turner doesn't have too much tread in his tires, all things considered.MORE: Turner currently turns out for Premier League outfitArsenal C.J. Mosley Jersey . The Gunners have been in sparkling form this season, climbing to the top of the league table. Much of that is due to the play of starting goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (who is backing up England starter Jordan Pickford at the World Cup). As a result, Turner has been relegated to second-string duties.He's kept the good times going at the Emirates, though. In four Europa League appearances, Turner has given up just one goal 1.6 fewer than he was expected to give up via post-shot expected goals. Under Mikel Arteta's tutelage, the hope is Turner will improve with his distribution something that could pay serious dividends for the U.S. team going forward. Despite earning his first USMNT cap last year, Turner has made the cage his fortre s for in red, white and blue. He's started 20 games for the U.S., giving up precious few goals in the proce s.Perhaps the best example of Turner's dominance was his shutdown showcase throughout last year's Gold Cup. Matched up against CONCACAF's very best, including fellow World Cup sides Canada, Qatar and Mexico, Turner gave up just one goal in six appearances. His shutout display against El Tri bolstered the Americans to a triumph in the tournament, all while earning him the Golden Glove award as the competition's best goalkeeper. Turner's ascension to starter means he's the latest in an illustrious group of Americans to shine in goal for the U.S. during the World Cup. He'll join the likes of Tim Howard, Brad Friedel, Kasey Keller and Tony Meola as players to man the goal for the Stars and Stripes.World CupU.S. GoalkeeperAgeQatar 2022Matt Turner28Brazil 2014Tim Howard35South Africa Braxton Berrios Jersey 2010Tim Howard31Germany 2006Kasey Keller36South Korea/Japan 2002Brad Friedel31France 1998Kasey Keller28USA 1994Tony Meola25Italy 1990Tony Meola21Brazil 1950Frank Borghi25Italy 1934Julius Hjulian31Uruguay 1930Jimmy Douglas32