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Turner’s Penalty Save Helps Revs Advance in MLS Cup Playoffs

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 11/30/20, 3:21PM EST

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Former Kickers loanee among ex-Championship players to feature in Eastern Conference Semifinals

ORLANDO, Fla. – New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner – who spent two season on loan with the Richmond Kickers in the USL Championship early in his career – made a crucial penalty kick save on Sunday afternoon to help his side advance to the Eastern Conference Final of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2014 as the Revs defeated Orlando City SC 3-1 at Exploria Stadium.

Three years on from his last appearance in the USL Championship and with his side holding a one-goal lead in the second half, Turner produced a brilliant diving save to his right to deny Orlando’s Nani from the spot to keep the visitors ahead with 16 minutes to go. An insurance goal 12 minutes later by Gustavo Bou – his second of the game – sent the Revolution through as Turner’s standout run in goal for New England continued.

The 26-year-old made 27 appearances for the Kickers during the 2016 and 2017 Championship season, recording seven shutouts and 81 saves in the process as he helped Richmond reach the 2016 USL Championship Playoffs. In the three MLS seasons since, he’s made 69 regular season appearances for the Revolution, recording 238 saves and 16 shutouts for the side.

Now Turner – and a collection of former USL League Two standouts including Henry Kessler (AC Connecticut), Teal Bunbury (Rochester Thunder), Scott Caldwell (Flint City Bucks), and Justin Rennicks (Boston Bolts) – will head into next weekend’s Eastern Conference Final looking to continue the Revolution’s pursuit of the club’s first MLS Cup against Columbus Crew SC.

ANUNGA, NASHVILLE BOW OUT

Nashville SC’s first season in Major League Soccer came to an end on Sunday night as the former USL Championship club fell 2-0 to Columbus Crew SC at Mapfre Stadium despite a stout effort against their hosts.

Among the performances for NSC was former Charleston Battery standout Brian Anunga as the 2018 Championship All-League selection was handed his second consecutive playoff start for the side. Anunga completed 38 of 40 passes, had one key pass and made 10 recoveries as the game remained scoreless before he was replaced by substitute Derrick Jones – another Championship alum.

After the game ended scoreless after 90 minutes, however, there would not be a repeat of the extra time magic Nashville had produced in its prior encounter with Toronto FC. Instead, Columbus got a goal and assist from United States international Gyasi Zardes – a former standout at USL League Two side Ventura County Fusion – to advance to the Eastern Conference Final.

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