GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Tim Howard is going to get his moment at Copa America Centenario.
Howard will start in goal for the US national team Saturday in the third-place match against Colombia (8 pm ET, FX, Univision, UDN), coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced Friday before the team took the field for practice at University of Phoenix Stadium. Howard replaces Brad Guzan, who has played every match so far in the tournament.
“Tim Howard will get this game tomorrow, because he’s been outstanding there to help the team go all the way through in this tournament to the final four,” Klinsmann said. “Helping Brad Guzan wherever he could. Keeping the spirit very positive and pushing from behind. Brad Guzan played a tremendously good tournament...He’s totally on board to give Tim this game.”
Klinsmann said he plans to field a full strength lineup against Colombia. Defenders John Brooks and Fabian Johnson are dealing with injuries and could be game-time decisions. Johnson was spotted pedaling an exercise back at Friday’s practice. The US also get Alejandro Bedoya, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood back from suspensions for the match.
“We’ll field the strongest team possible, there’s absolutely no doubt, because we want to have a positive result against Colombia,” Klinsmann said.
Howard last played for the US in the second half of a May pre-Copa friendly against Puerto Rico. The veteran will get his 109th cap with the USMNT.
“It’s not hard to get up for. It’s the third place in the Copa America,” Howard said. “No one thought we would be here so it’s exciting.”
Following the tournament, Howard will return to MLS, joining the Colorado Rapids after a 10-season stint with English Premier League side Everton. It will be his first action in MLS since leaving MetroStars in 2003 to play in England for Manchester United.
