Tim Howard will leave Everton to join the Colorado Rapids in less than three months, as the 37-year-old U.S. national team superstar goalkeeper enters the final stage of his legendary 18-year professional career.
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At halftime of the Rapids’ league clash with D.C. United on Sunday, Howard spoke briefly with Taylor Twellman about his impending move.
Howard, on “why Colorado,” his current form and mindset, playing for a former teammate, and his battle with Brad Guzan for the no. 1 goalkeeper’s spot with the USMNT — quotes from ESPN broadcast:
“Timing just felt right. I’m excited about what Colorado’s trying to do. They want to build a project, they want to build a winner. They’ve been to the summit, they know what it’s like to lift a Cup, and they’re eager to get back.”
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“They talked about Jermaine Jones and [Shkelzen] Gashi and Kevin Doyle, guys that they think can lead the team and hopefully do big things. [Though] they finished in last place [last year], as we know in MLS, you have a really good push and sign some good players, you can get to the playoffs and do big things. I’m excited about it.”
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“I feel great. My body feels really good. I’ve had a little bit of a break recently, which has gotten me [motivated]. I’m excited, because my next game is right around the corner. I’m fit, I’m training well and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
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“I respect Pablo [Mastroeni] a bunch. He was a good friend when I played with him and he’s a good leader. I loved playing on teams that he was in, because he’s a fighter, he’ll dig in and get you results. I think I see a lot of that in him as a coach.”
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“[The move] puts me in the shop window. I’ll be playing week in and week out, and Jurgen will be able to see that. As long as I’m playing well, I’m very confident in my ability. Brad and I are both tremendous goalkeepers. Every time we are on the pitch for the team, the team responds well and gives us both opportunities to perform. I have no worries about that.”
Howard is one of four goalkeepers called into USMNT camp for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Guatemala (March 25 and 29). With Bill Hamid, the USMNT’s presumed no. 3 at present, recently being ruled out for four to six months, USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann will undoubtedly turn to one of Howard or Guzan, neither of whom has started regularly for their respective club team in recent months.
