MIAMI—For Tim Howard, a US national team connection helped seal his move back to MLS with the Colorado Rapids.
Howard told reporters during the media scrum on the second day of USMNT camp ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Guatemala on Friday (10 pm ET, beIN Sports, NBC Universo) that several phone conversations with Pablo Mastroeni, a former USMNT teammate now in his third year as Rapids manager, sealed the deal.
“[Pablo was] just talking through it and letting me know that I could trust him and his professionalism,” Howard said. “For me, it was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up.”
Howard, who began his career in MLS with MetroStars in 1998 and departed for Manchester United in 2003, has been an example to younger players who have made a similar path, including current US teammate DeAndre Yedlin.
“If that’s what he feels is best for him, then I think it’s great for him,” said Yedlin, a 22-year-old right-back for Premier League club Sunderland. “For MLS, it is great. Tim is a big name in the United States. I know people will be excited for him to come back.”
Howard's departure from England this summer will leave Brad Guzan the elder statesman among American goalkeepers in England. But, as of now, Guzan has no immediate desire to follow Howard back across the pond. Despite losing his regular spot as No. 1 for last-place Aston Villa this season, Guzan said he has no plans to leave the city of Birmingham any time soon.
“I plan to be there until someone tells me otherwise,” Guzan said.
Guzan said he’s enjoyed watching MLS grow from the time he left Chivas USA for Villa in 2008.
“I think at some point I would want to finish my career in MLS,” he said. “It’s an exciting time for MLS.”
