Tim Howard made a U.S. men’s record 121 appearances. (Andy Mead/YCJ Photo)
Having earned more than 100 caps and having played in multiple World Cups, the U.S. Soccer Federation will celebrate the contributions of U.S. men’s national team legend Tim Howard in a pregame ceremony prior to USA-Mexico at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Friday.
Howard is retiring from professional soccer this year.
U.S. Soccer will formally honor any men’s and women’s national team players upon their retirement from professional soccer who earn at least 100 caps and appear on the roster of two world championships, including World Cups and Olympic Games. This recognition will be given to players retiring this year and beyond.
A native of North Brunswick, N.J., Howard was part of the USA teams at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups, serving as the starting goalkeeper in the latter two tournaments. His 15 saves against Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2014 World Cup set the game record. Having played for the USMNT from 2002-2017, Howard leaves the game as the holder of multiple records among USMNT goalkeepers, including 121 caps, 119 starts, 62 wins and eight World Cup appearances.
Howard carried on the strong legacy of U.S. goalkeepers abroad, playing 14 seasons in the English Premier League with Manchester United and Everton, winning the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Community Shield. The two-time U.S. Soccer male athlete of the year captured the Golden Glove in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and was a three-time winner of the Concacaf male goalkeeper of the year.
Howard, who plays with the Colorado Rapids, is one of only two USMNT players all-time to earn at least one appearance in 16 different calendar years.
