By CARL SETTERLUND
Some people were ready to hand the U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeping job to Brad Guzan after Tim Howard recently announced announced his one-year national team hiatus — but not so fast.
As planned, Jurgen Klinsmann inserted Nick Rimando at halftime of Wednesday’s 1-0 win in a friendly against the Czech Republic and the Real Salt Lake veteran came up big time after time, making four saves to hold off a Czech side that came out reenergized in the second half.
Rimando made Alejandro Bedoya’s first half tap-in stand, commanding his box as the Czech Republic pushed forward in search of an equalizer.
The 35-year old showed great instincts with a tremendous kick save on a close range try by Ladislav Krejci at the hour mark. Later on, with the result in the balance in the 85th minute, Rimando came through with another reactive save, parrying away Radim Reznik’s volley from 12 yards out.
Rimando beats out Bedoya, center back John Brooks and Joe Gyau, who went the full 90 minutes in his national team debut.
Who did you think was the USMNT Man of the Match? Cast your vote here:
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