Rising star: Tim Howard - Brief Article

Soccer Digest, May, 2002 by Joseph D'Hippolito

WHEN THE 2000 SEASON ended, Tim Howard of the MetroStars was just another Project--40 graduate hoping for a break. One year later, his first as a starter, he was named MLS's best goalkeeper and made the league's Best 11. "I was tremendously excited and honored, but I was surprised, too," says Howard, 23. "[The honors] weren't something I had expected."

Howard led MLS in saves (146), tied for third in victories (13), and finished fourth in goals-against average (1.33) and minutes played (2,370). He was one of only two MetroStars to play every minute of every game. "He's got great athleticism and a lot of courage," says United States coach Bruce Arena, who is considering Howard for a place on the World Cup roster. "He's very good coming off his line and an outstanding shot blocker."

The goalkeeper signed a Project-40 contract after graduating from high school, but appeared in only 19 games during his first three seasons as a professional. Howard was promoted to the starting spot after the MetroStars traded Mike Ammann to D.C. United.

Howard won five of his first seven games, including a pair of shutouts. But then a subsequent 0-5-2 stretch that immediately followed proved to be the turning point. "That was the first time people actually said to me, `OK, Tim, we need you,'" he says. "That gave me confidence."

Among those whom Howard believes need him the most are children who suffer from Tourette's syndrome, a neurological disorder. The goalkeeper, who was diagnosed with the condition when he was 11, was named MLS's Humanitarian of the Year for his volunteer work. After one home game in which he invited 200 children and their parents, Howard stayed and answered questions for two hours. "I'm trying to let these kids know they can do anything they want," says Howard. "One kid was so afraid to try out for his high school team that he never even bothered. He was so afraid of his tics and being made fun of. After hearing me speak, he said he was going to try out. Whether he made the team I don't think really mattered to him as much as facing his fears."

Howard faces this season with similar confidence. "The saves I made last year that were `spectacular' are expected to be the norm this year," he says. "But I don't worry about those expectations. I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a fun ride."