Tim Howard OK, set for Slovenia

JOHANNESBURG – If you were killing yourself trying to figure out just who is the U.S. No. 2 in goal – Marcus Hahnemann? Brad Guzan? – well take a deep breath. Relax. Smokem if you gottem.

Tim Howard looks like he’s A-OK.

U.S. Soccer just released a short statement saying that his bruised ribs are healing adequately.

"After a physical examination this morning, the medical staff has determined there is no need to conduct additional testing on goalkeeper Tim Howard. He continues to make substantial improvement and is expected to be available for the match against Slovenia."

For the record, both of the other goalkeepers warmed up on the sidelines as Howard lay wounded by Emile Heskey’s probing boot. Hahnemann, with literally more than a decade of experience on the young Guzan, was doing ball work with U.S. goalkeeper coach Zak Abdel. Guzan was running along the sidelines. For whatever that means to you.

Bob Bradley has never said whom he considers his No. 2.