Americans Abroad

Howard named best keeper in England.

LONDON (Sunday, April 25, 2004) -- Tim Howard is the second straight American to be named the best goalkeeper in England after he was honored at an awards banquet today.

Howard, 25, was acquired by Manchester United in July from Major League Soccer's MetroStars for a reported $2.3 million transfer fee. He immediately became the starter, though he recently lost his starting job for several games as United was eliminated from the European Champions League and the Premier League race.

Howard was named to the Premier League's "Team of the Year." He was joined by striker, Dutch international Ruud van Nistlerooy as United players named to the team

He follows Brad Friedel, who was sensational in goal for Blackburn Rovers in the 2002-03 season, as the second keeper from the U.S. to be named England's best.

Howard came to England after five seasons with the MetroStars with whom he was twice named to MLS's Best 11. He immediately gained international recognition when he displaced French World Cup champion keeper Fabian Barthez as United starter.

Howard was in goal for United yesterday for the second time in a week, but this time for a 1-0 loss to Liverpool. Danny Murphy's penalty kick in the 63rd minute gave Liverpool the decision

Howard was a bit busier than in Tuesday's 2-0 whitewash of Charlton when he was not called on to make a difficult save. Yesterday, he made three saves and also was also involved in United's best scoring chance on the day when Louis Saha flicked his long goal kick to Ryan Giggs. Giggs volleyed wide after being hurried by a pair of defenders.

Those two matches marked Howard's return to action after sitting out five straight league games and the FA Cup semifinal in which Roy Carroll recorded the shutout in the surprise 1-0 victory over EPL champion Arsenal. Howard hopes to be the starter in the FA Cup final against Millwall May 22.

Howard has posted 15 clean sheets for United this year, 11 in 29 EPL games in which he posted a 1.00 goals-against average.

Howard has nine international appearances with the U.S. men, collecting three shutouts.