International Round-Up: Howard the hero as the USMNT pick up a point in Panama

Three Rapids players were involved in international matches on Tuesday, with Tim Howard (USA), Mekeil Williams (Trinidad and Tobago), and Kevin Doyle (Republic of Ireland) all representing their respective nations.

Howard and Williams took part in the fourth round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, whereas Doyle played in an international friendly.

Howard showed why he is first choice for Bruce Arena and the national side with a tremendous block to help salvage a point in Panama on Tuesday night in a 1-1 tie. The result takes the USA to four points from four games.

The Rapids' number one spread himself to deny Luis Tejada from point-blank range, after a knock down from Roman Torres. He later got his big body behind a grass-cutter of a drive from Anibal Godoy.

Earlier, Clint Dempsey moved to within one of Landon Donovan's all-time national team record of 57 goals, as he tucked away from close quarters after neat work from Christian Pulisic in the 39th minute.

The lead lasted just four minutes. Poor defending from a long throw allowed Gabriel Gomez to slam home the loose ball from seven yards, past a helpless Howard.

Howard was the busier of the two keepers after the break, in a physical encounter on a difficult surface, and Arena's men will be satisfied at being able to build on last Friday's crushing win over Honduras.

Next for the USA is a return home to face Trinidad and Tobago on June 8, at a venue to be determined, before a testing trip to Mexico three days later.

Trinidad and Tobago sits bottom of the six-team standings after suffering a third loss in four games. A goal from Diego Reyes on 58 minutes was enough to send Mexico home with a 1-0 win from Port of Spain. Williams formed part of a defense which prevented Javier Hernandez from converting, and thereby becoming Mexico's all-time leading scorer, but they could do nothing to stop Reyes just short of the hour mark.

Doyle made his 63rd appearance for the Republic of Ireland in their 1-0 loss to Iceland in Dublin. Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson netted the game's only goal after 19 minutes.

Played in front of 37,241, Doyle started and went the full 90 minutes. Chances were few and far between, though the Rapids' number nine flashed a header narrowly wide from a James McClean cross 10 minutes before the interval.

Next up for Ireland is a friendly international against Uruguay on June 4, followed by a World Cup qualifier versus Austria on June 11. Both games are at home.

2018 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONCACAF)