Tim Howard’s presence in MLS was clearly felt during his return on Monday as the American goalkeeper registered a shutout in the 0-0 draw between Colorado Rapids, Howard’s new club, and the reigning MLS champion Portland Timbers.
Howard’s debut electrified Colorado’s fanbase — the club typically averages 14,978 spectators per match but had a season-best 18,759 attend Monday’s July 4th matchup.
Rapids fans were keen to see Howard and Jermaine Jones, both returning from Copa America action with the United States, take the field together for the first time for the club.
Howard made two big saves for Colorado, including a 1-on-1 stop with the Timbers’ Lucas Melano, and he could be seen gesticulating and vocalizing wildly in an attempt to organize his backline throughout.
The Rapids were able to entince the veteran shot stopper to MLS after he'd lost his starting position at Everton. The Rapids also offered Howard the most lucrative deal in the history of the goalkeeping position for MLS — $8 million for three-and-a-half years. That's $2.29 million per year for the 37-year-old.
The Rapids are now nine games unbeaten at home this season and trail FC Dallas by a single point in the race for the Supporters’ Shield. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a club that finished on the bottom of the Western Conference during 2015.
With a roster that now includes USMNT regulars Howard and Jones, as well as Ireland's Keven Doyle and Albania's Shkelzen Gashi, the Colorado Rapids have quickly become one of the most talented teams in MLS.
Follow me on Twitter: @ConmanFleming
