USMNT goalkeeper Turner opens up on ‘shameful feeling’ after early Copa America exit

Matt Turner has admitted he is dealing with a “shameful feeling” after the U.S. men’s national team crashed out of the Copa América at the group stage.

The USMNT fell 1-0 to Uruguay on Monday night, confirming a third-place finish in a group that also included Bolivia and Panama.

The tournament started well enough with a 2-0 win over Bolivia, but everything changed after a stunning 2-1 loss to Panama that was sparked by Tim Weah’s first-half red card.

The USMNT’s early exit has sent shockwaves through the program, which expected to at least reach the knockout phase after a draw that appeared to offer a straightforward path to advancement.

Instead, the USMNT will have to reflect on a huge missed opportunity that may end up costing head coach Gregg Berhalter his job.

After taking a couple days to reflect, Turner posted a lengthy statement on his Instagram account, saying that he and his teammates could only use their elimination “as fuel for what is no longer acceptable.”

“It’s going to take a long time for the dust to settle from this summer,” the goalkeeper said.

“This is a shameful feeling that we will use for years to come as fuel for what is no longer acceptable as players. We need to hold each other and ourselves accountable and for all the good that we did, we didn’t get the results necessary in the end to achieve our ultimate goal.

“I understand that for many, it was a difficult summer to support the USMNT. I just wanted to thank everyone for the love and energy we felt for all of it, nearly 60,000 people at all 5 games we played. We know it’s a huge opportunity missed to do something special on our home soil, we put so much into it emotionally, mentally and physically and although the results lacked I hope the fans felt that fight and desire from the team.

“Right now it’s time to reflect and to get together with family for a few weeks before we are back at it! Thanks for all the love and continued support.”

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