By RYAN TOLMICH
It was announced Thursday that Tim Howard is set to return to the U.S. Men’s National Team for the upcoming September friendlies. However, his former place in the team may not be awaiting him upon his return.
Since Howard’s departure following the conclusion of the 2014 World Cup, the role of USMNT No. 1 has been assumed by Brad Guzan, who has shown to be a stable presence in net throughout his run. Guzan has performed admirably in Howard’s absence, doing little to jeopardize his spot in the lineup.
Yet, with Howard’s return, the team is rejoined by one of the best goalkeepers, if not players, in the USMNT’s history. Riding the wave of last season’s heroics against Belgium, Howard remains a big-game keeper, one that has stood tall for the U.S. time and time again.
In Howard, the U.S. is rejoined by a three-time World Cup veteran, whose experience both with the USMNT and on the club level could prove invaluable as the U.S. heads into a must-win Confederations Cup playoff against Mexico.
At least for now, Klinsmann has made it clear that Guzan is his starter, with Howard returning to the fold in a No. 2 role. Whether this stays the case beyond the September friendlies remains to be seen.Guzan has shown well in his year as the USMNT’s starter. Despite undergoing some struggles on the club level to close last season, Guzan erased most doubt in the Gold Cup, though his performance in the team’s loss to Jamaica wasn’t his best.
Even before Howard’s departure, Guzan had shown to be a strong hand, leading the way in crucial World Cup qualifiers last cycle, including the now famous 0-0 draw with Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. With Guzan proving capable at an age six years younger than Howard, it may be time to let the Aston Villa goalkeeper take the reins in anticipation of the upcoming World Cup cycle.
But is Guzan better than Howard right now? That’s a big question as we approach some important matches, none more important than the Confederations Cup playoff. Howard is a goalkeeper who typically has a strong command of his backline, and the argument could be made that he is a better organizer of his defense than Guzan. Both are excellent shot stoppers, but Howard’s ability to put his defenders in good positions could give him the edge in the competition for the starting job.
Who do you think should be the U.S. starter in goal? Do you stick with Guzan, or do you give the job back to Howard?
Cast your vote here:
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Who should the USMNT start in goal?
Who did you vote for? Still can’t decide between the two? Who do you see starting against Mexico in October?
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