Community rallying behind Team USA goalkeeper, NJ native as FIFA World Cup gets underway

There is plenty of excitement at St. Joseph’s Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey for the FIFA World Cup, because school alum Matt Turner is Team USA’s goalkeeper.

Turner graduated from St. Joe’s in 2012 and is an inspiration for the school’s current soccer team.

“I mean, it’s such an inspiring story,” said student Quinn Brennan. “He came here, like, not really looking to play soccer, and then he just became, like, a great player. I mean, he had a better career after high school.”

“As a goalie, there’s a lot of pressure on you, especially at the world stage, and you just have to keep going forward,” said student Evan Uzar.

Pictures of Turner in action are posted throughout the school

“It’s great for the school, great for the team, and it’s a great representation of our team,” said student Angelo Paino. “And it makes our team want to work harder.

Every time Turner makes headlines, it keeps students engaged and working to achieve their goals.

“Absolutely. He had a great career here, but he definitely got better once he left there,” said St. Joseph’s Athletic Director Patrick Kivlehan. “So, it gives those kids something to strive for that when they leave here, they go to the next level and continue to grow as an athlete and a student.”

Turner has had an illustrious career playing professional soccer and even has a signed New England Revolution jersey at the school.

Friday’s game means so much to students and staff. It’s a chance to showcase an alum on the world stage.

“So, for Matt to be playing in a second one on home soil, playing tonight in front of our home fans. Hopefully, he could, you know, get that big gold trophy, you know, in his hands and in a month,” said soccer coach Conrad Madej.

They’ll be watching the big game around Turner’s Park Ridge hometown and in Jersey City where thousands will gather for a festive FIFA watch party.