Rapids’ Tim Howard Announces Retirement after 2019 MLS Season

Tim Howard with the Colorado Rapids in 2018
Tim Howard with the Colorado Rapids in 2018. Photo by Jeremy Olson/ISI/REX/Shutterstock (9931364as)

Colorado Rapids and USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard decided to play one more season, and then he is out from professional soccer. Howard, who will be 40 in March, went on Twitter on Tuesday and announced his retirement after 2019 MLS season.

“I’m greatly looking forward to kicking off the 2019 MLS season, as it will be my LAST,” – said Howard. “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.”

Tim Howard is considered to be one of the best soccer players in the history of U.S., having represented the United States men’s national team 121 times and being featured on three World Cups.

Howard started his career in the U.S., playing for several teams, before making a switch to Premier League power house Manchester United in a transfer worth around $4 million in 2003. While enjoying the successful start of his time with Man Utd, being the first-choice goalie in the 2003-04 season, he lost his place in the starting lineup the next year due to inconsistent play.

In 2006, United decided to deal Tim Howard to Everton, where he asserted himself as No.1 choice. After spending 10 years at Goodison Park, he decided to return to MLS in 2016, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Colorado Rapids.

Howard won several individual honors during his illustrious career, including two U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year honors and one MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award. He also earned three MLS All-Star appearances, with the last one being in 2017.

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