The U.S. legend questioned Turner's positioning on the deciding goal, raised concerns about lack of club playing time

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Meola questions several aspects of game-winner from PanamaU.S. settle for third-place matchTurner has yet to make a Prem appearance for PalaceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The USMNT are out of contention for the Nations League trophy after a stunning loss to Panama Thursday night, a result Tony Meola says could have been different if goalkeeper Matt Turner chose better positioning on the game-deciding goal.

Cecilio Waterman scored a stunning goal in the 94th minute as Panama beat the three-time defending champions 1-0. Waterman took a pass down the right side from Adalberto Carrasquilla in front of a packed-in U.S. defense and fired a perfect diagonal shot past Turner into the far left corner for the game-winner.

"That ball can't end up in the back of the net," Meola said on CBS. "I look at the angle Matt Turner took and… yes, the pace of the shot, not going to take anything away from the goalscorer, but in this moment, at this time, Turner is a bit tucked in there [at goal] and… his feet are planted and he doesn't have that explosion. I'm not blaming Turner, but those are moments where you have to find a way."

Meola also raised the question about Turner's game fitness as the goalkeeper has rarely played for his club team Crystal Palace.

"I'm going to say this until the World Cup, it's sharpness," Meola said. "It's sharpness, the toughest thing for a goalkeeper is when you have nothing to do and then all of the sudden, you have something to do. That's the sharpness at the end. When you're training every day [as a starter], it's a rhythm, you're getting five, six shots your way. You're finding timing. Now [in Turner's situation], it's one shot you're way."

AdvertisementWATCH THE VIDEOGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The U.S. conceded the latest game-winner since the 2014 World Cup against Portugal and struggled on both sides of the ball. All eyes will be on what Mauricio Pochettino will do with his lineup in Sunday's third-place game.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

After winning all three previous iterations of this tournament, the USMNT will now play in the third-place game Sunday night.