The U.S. Men’s National Team’s all-time winningest goalkeeper is calling it a career after 2019.
Longtime USMNT star Tim Howard announced via Twitter on Tuesday that he will retire after the 2019 Major League Soccer season. Howard, 39, will be heading into his fourth season with the Colorado Rapids after returning to MLS from a long stint in England.
Following 88 appearances with the New Jersey MetroStars from 1998-2003, Howard embarked to Manchester United where he spent four seasons. After heading to Everton on-loan for the 2006-07 campaign, Howard moved fully to the Merseyside club where he would amass 329 appearances in 10 seasons.
I’m greatly looking forward to kicking off the 2019 MLS season, as it will be my LAST. There will be plenty of time for sentiment later. For now, I am going to enjoy every minute. And as I’ve always done, compete hard and help lead the Rapids with the sole purpose of winning. pic.twitter.com/QWuCcy7gW2
— Tim Howard (@TimHowardGK) January 22, 2019
Howard is the all-time leader in international appearances for the USMNT with 104, and victories with 55. His 15 saves in the USMNT’s 2-1 second round defeat to Belgium at the 2014 FIFA World Cup is also a record.
The Rapids kick off the 2019 MLS regular season on March 2nd at Portland.
I love Tim Howard, and he deserves legend status with the USMNT. But I prefer quick goodbyes.
I think you can make a decent argument that Howard is the best US GK ever. Personally, I’m a big fan of Kasey Keller, but Tim had that incredible WC game vs. Belgium that will set the standard of excellence for a long time.
“Howard is the all-time leader in international appearances for the USMNT with 104”.
That’s not true. He is the all-time leader in appearances for a goalkeeper. Cobi Jones has the all-time appearances record at 164.
Cant believe the Rapids are going to for one more season for him…