The loss to 2-1 Mexico in the hexagonal was bad enough news for U.S. soccer fans. Losing No. 1 goalkeeper Tim Howard to injury midgame compounded the loss. For Colorado Rapids fans, the news is three times bad, as their club has a Western Conference Championship match looming in less than two weeks.
Howard was injured in Friday night’s loss on a goal kick. The injury was reported to be of his right groin.
This is not good for #usmnt #USAvMEX or @ColoradoRapids #Rapids96 or @TimHowardGK pic.twitter.com/wuQjXQ6HUH
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) November 12, 2016
Howard laid on the ground for a short time before returning to play, but a few minutes later had to be relieved.
Fox Sports reported postgame that Howard will likely not travel with the national team when the head to Costa Rica on Tuesday to continue World Cup qualifying play. After the match, USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann gave a negative prognosis on Howard’s status:
“He pulled his muscle. I think he’s not able to come with us to Costa Rica. He’ll have an MRI tomorrow morning. He’s so experienced I think he knows it’s not looking that good.”
The news is especially concerning locally, as Howard has been Colorado’s No. 1 keeper since returning to MLS from the EPL on July 4. He contributed to an undefeated home schedule with a 1.12 GAA and was stellar on PKs against Los Angeles to help Colorado advance to the west championship.
If Howard is unavailable, the Rapids will turn to Zac MacMath, who was arguably one of the best keepers in MLS through the first half of the season. He allowed just 13 goals in 17 games this year, including six clean sheets.
MacMath’s last action, however, came in a 2-0 loss at New England September 3. It was his only appearance since June 22. With such limited game action in the second half of the season, his form will no doubt be a concern if called upon.