Back in November, Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard entered unchartered territory. In a World Cup qualifying match against Mexico, he fractured the adductor longus in his right groin. Though he has been banged up before, the 38-year-old had never suffered an injury that severe.
“I’ve had a couple injuries that have kept me out for four weeks or so,” Howard said. “This is four months, so it’s been the biggest one.”
After beginning training with the Rapids two weeks ago, Howard is now nearing the end of his long journey back to the pitch. In fact, though it’s far from a certainty, he might play Saturday against the New York Red Bulls.
“He’s in a good spot right now,” Rapids coach Pablo Mastroeni said of Howard.“He’s been training a good 10 days of training, two-weeks nonstop. I think once he feels 100 percent good about his body, that’s the most important thing.”
“I feel good,” said Howard. “I feel like I’m close. [This week] marks 16 weeks, so I’m going to close that chapter hopefully. I’m excited to keep pushing forward.”
Born and raised in New Jersey, Howard broke into the MLS with the MetroStars, who later became the Red Bulls. The Rapids face the Red Bulls in New Jersey this Saturday at 2:00p.m. MT.