Tim Howard, who has regained the starting job for the U.S. national team after backing up Brad Guzan at the Copa Centenario and splitting time with him in the two September World Cup qualifiers, lived up to his billing as the biggest goalkeeper signing in MLS history.
He was the hero of the Colorado Rapids' shootout victory over the Galaxy that sent them to within one series of MLS Cup for just the third time in 21 years. More important, Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni says Howard's influence extends beyond the field.
"I think it's been beyond his performance in the shootout," said Mastroeni. "It's been what he's brought to the group from a leadership perspective when he stepped foot in the locker room. For me, he's still one of the best keepers in the world, and week in, week out he proves that he's one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He's a team presence, a team guy who just wants to win more than anything else. That's the kind of people that we want at this club: people that are willing to give up themselves for the greater good. What he exudes as a human being has been transformational to the group.”
After Giovani dos Santos missed the second Galaxy penalty kick, Howard saved Ashley Cole's shot and tipped Jeff Larentowicz's shot off the post to complete the 3-1 shootout win that sent lead the Rapids into the Western Conference final against Seattle.
“Penalties after 120 minutes are different to penalties in run of the game," Howard said. "Guys are tired and they are cramping up. It’s hard to get a ton of power. So it was good to be lucky. I knew we had a cushion once Gio missed and I made the save on Ashley. I got a good read and a good jump. Most of them were pretty good penalties.”
After he stopped Larentowicz, Howard did not realize the shootout was over.
“I was kind of thinking that it was but when I saw the guys running towards me I knew," he added. "It was nice. It was a long day and a long build-up. Extra time and penalties, there is a lot of drama because the game can change in a minute. Then, it is finally over with you on top. You dream about it and you talk about it. There are a lot of words. But it is good to go out there and do it.”
Howard admitted he felt the pressure of being the highest-paid goalkeeper in MLS history by a factor of six and the only keeper who is a Designated Player.
“You have two types of DPs," he said. "There are guys who are here to collect checks and there have been a lot of them. Then there are a bunch guys who are wholehearted and want to put the team on their backs and feel a part of an organization. That is where I am."
After Giovani dos Santos missed the second Galaxy penalty kick, Howard saved Ashley Cole's shot and tipped Jeff Larentowicz's shot off the post to complete the 3-1 shootout win that sent lead the Rapids into the Western Conference final against Seattle.
“Penalties after 120 minutes are different to penalties in run of the game," Howard said. "Guys are tired and they are cramping up. It’s hard to get a ton of power. So it was good to be lucky. I knew we had a cushion once Gio missed and I made the save on Ashley. I got a good read and a good jump. Most of them were pretty good penalties.”
After he stopped Larentowicz, Howard did not realize the shootout was over.
“I was kind of thinking that it was but when I saw the guys running towards me I knew," he added. "It was nice. It was a long day and a long build-up. Extra time and penalties, there is a lot of drama because the game can change in a minute. Then, it is finally over with you on top. You dream about it and you talk about it. There are a lot of words. But it is good to go out there and do it.”
Howard admitted he felt the pressure of being the highest-paid goalkeeper in MLS history by a factor of six and the only keeper who is a Designated Player.
“You have two types of DPs," he said. "There are guys who are here to collect checks and there have been a lot of them. Then there are a bunch guys who are wholehearted and want to put the team on their backs and feel a part of an organization. That is where I am."
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