US Soccer legend Tim Howard is now cemented in Rapids history, as he was placed in the team’s All-Time Best XI when the roster reveal began on Wednesday.
Howard’s selection by the fans is well deserved. He signed with the team in March 2016 and promptly hit the ground running. He played his first match on July 4 of that year and served an instrumental role in team’s best regular season to date. In 2016, the Rapids set a club record for points (58) and tied the record for fewest goals allowed in club history (32). Howard helped lead the charge with a remarkable seven shutouts over his 17 regular season matches.
The historic 2016 run for the Rapids and Howard is remembered most for the moment when he propelled the team to the Western Conference Final thanks to two saves during a shootout in a the conference semi-final matchup against the LA Galaxy.
Howard’s impact continued beyond the 2016 season. He played and started 100 total matches for the Rapids, placing him in third and second, respectively, among Colorado 'keepers all-time. He is also second in total saves with 330 and fourth in shutouts.
In addition, what can’t be revealed by statistics, is Howard’s impact to the club and in the community. His work with Howard’s Heroes brought the experiences of those living with Tourette Syndrome to the forefront. He met with kids affected by the disease after every game – home or away – beginning in 2018 in order to spread more information about the condition and form a meaningful connection among that community.
Beyond Colorado, Howard’s legacy with US Soccer as a whole cannot be understated. He earned 121 caps over his international career, the most of any goalkeeper to date, and will go down in history for his record-setting 15 saves against Belgium in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Howard's leadership and commitment to excellence on and off the field has been more than enough to cement him as the best goalkeeper in U.S. as well as Rapids history.
