Tim Howard on his Manchester United move, American talent and the growth of MLS

The iconic USMNT goalkeeper spoke to AS USA about the future of American soccer ahead of his induction to the US Soccer Hall of Fame.

Tim Howard saw a lot over the course of his 24-year professional career. The New Jersey-born goalkeeper made his debut in the infancy of MLS and went on to join Premier League champions Manchester United, to spend a decade with Everton and to win an astonishing 121 international caps.

His career spanned a period of profound change for soccer in the United States as the game grew from niche interest to mainstream pastime. The MLS in which he made his debut for the MetroStars - now the New York Red Bulls - was a 12-team league with a dwindling audience. By the time he returned to play for Colorado Rapids at the other end of his storied career, MLS had doubled in size and young American talents were making the move to Europe at an ever-increasing rate.

Next month Tim Howard will officially be inducted in the US Soccer Hall of Fame. Ahead of his induction ceremony he spoke to AS USA about his own journey and the progression of soccer in the United States.

Howard’s professional career began with the North Jersey Imperials before being swiftly moved up to represent the MetroStars in MLS. As the 19-year-old goalkeeper readied himself for his debut against the Colorado Rapids, MetroStars midfielder Tab Ramos had some words of wisdom, ones that would prove prescient for the young debutant: “This is not the most important game you’re going to play.”

Ramos was right. The following seasons brought two appearances in the MLS Best XI, the 2001 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award and a dream move to Europe. Manchester United, the reigning Premier League champions, needed a new goalkeeper and decided that the