Tim Howard leaves USA vs. Mexico with injury

A bad start for the United States men’s national team against Mexico quickly got worse at the end of the first half. While taking a goal kick, Tim Howard pulled up lame and went down with an injury. He attempted to continue after receiving treatment, but after his first save following the injury, realized that he couldn’t continue. Brad Guzan came on in his place in the 40th minute.

Howard gave up his status as the No. 1 goalkeeper by taking a sabbatical from the USMNT following the 2014 World Cup. He was welcomed back to the team, but sat behind Guzan at first. However, Howard has played well since joining the Colorado Rapids, while Guzan struggled last year at Aston Villa and has not played regularly for Middlesbrough since joining them, allowing Howard to regain the starting spot. Guzan is currently Boro’s No. 2 goalkeeper behind Victor Valdes.

In recent years, there hasn’t been much to separate Guzan and Howard. In the 2015 Confederations Cup playoff against Mexico, Guzan was excellent. But he’s been in poor form since, but performed fairly well given the circumstances, despite conceding a late winner to Rafa Marquez.

Guzan will have to find his form quickly, since he’ll be needed on Tuesday. Howard’s injury will prevent him from traveling to Costa Rica, so Guzan will have to take over as the starting goalkeeper.