The 2017 campaign has not gone as hoped for Tim Howard and the Rapids, but the Colorado keeper’s play has not gone unrecognized by MLS fans. On Friday Howard was announced as the starting goalkeeper for MLS in the 2017 MLS All-Star Game.
Just another day in the park.
Introducing the Fan XI for the #MLSAllStar game pres. by @Target. pic.twitter.com/p0qEJ8ilee
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 7, 2017
After finishing runner-up in the Western Conference regular season and playoffs in 2016 – Howard’s first (half) season in Colorado – the Rapids sit in 10th place out of 11 teams on the WC table in 2017. At 6-11-1, they are are still seeking their first point on the road more than halfway through the season.
In 13 contests this year, Howard has allowed 21 goals with a 4-8-1 record and two clean sheets. He has made 39 saves on 61 shots for a 63.9 save percentage.
One of the greatest keepers to ever come out of the U.S., Howard signed out of MLS with Manchester United in 2003 before moving on to a banner career with Everton in the Premier League. Howard has been the starting keeper for the U.S. in the past two World Cups and holds the record for most saves in a World Cup game with 16. He currently splits his time between the Rapids and the USMNT, who is in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
This is Howard’s third All-Star appearance in MLS (2001, ’02, ’17). In 2009 he was named the All-Star Game MVP while playing for Everton.
The 2017 MLS All-Star Game, against reigning UEFA Champions League winner Real Madrid, will take place August 2 at Soldier Field. The full starting XI is as follows…
2017 MLS All-Star Game Fan XI presented by Target
| POS | Player (Appearances) | Club |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Tim Howard (3) | Colorado Rapids |
| D | Greg Garza (1) | Atlanta United |
| D | Graham Zusi (5) | Sporting KC |
| D | DaMarcus Beasley (5) | Houston Dynamo |
| M | Bastian Schweinsteiger (1) | Chicago Fire |
| M | Miguel Almirón (1) | Atlanta United |
| M | Kaká (3) | Orlando City SC |
| M | Michael Bradley (3) | Toronto FC |
| F | David Villa (3) | NYCFC |
| F | Nemanja Nikolić (1) | Chicago Fire |
| F | Sebastian Giovinco (3) EA SPORTS “More Than a Vote” Winner |
Toronto FC |