No Problem Tim (Seriously), Take the Next Year Off from the USMNT

If anyone currently on the U.S. men's national team has earned himself a sabbatical, surely it's goalkeeper Tim Howard. This afternoon he made the unexpected decision to take the next year off from the squad to concentrate on his powerhouse club-Everton-while also spending more time with his family. For most players (cough cough Landon Donovan) this would be a recipe for disaster to go away in their prime but there are a few reasons why this makes perfect sense.

Howard is 35 so while he's not getting any younger, his goal of playing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia is attainable (since goalkeepers can hang around forever). Saving himself extra wear and tear with the U.S. should help maintain his legs. Keep in mind that other than the Gold Cup next summer (and really, who cares?) and some random friendlies, the Americans don't have many important matches through next September-when he'd prefer to return.

Also unlike Donovan, you can't doubt Howard's passion for the sport and underlying motivation. Plus, it's not as if he's taking time off just to do nothing or simply hang out/chase women after a divorce. He'll still be the No. 1 goalkeeper for one of the best clubs in England and by extension the world. That'll keep him plenty busy with that and remember that the EPL season (which just started last weekend) goes all the way until May with very few breaks.

Enjoy your USMNT time off Tim, hope you come back refreshed for head coach Jurgen Klinsmann and your teammates. For the next year, Brad Guzan (Aston Villa) figures to be the No. 1 goalkeeper for the U.S. with Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake) backing him up. I've always said that goalkeeping is the one position that we can match up favorably with any other country in the world. Guzan is very good, another starter in the EPL, while Rimando has become one of the top goalkeepers in MLS history.

Their first chance to shine will be on September 3 when the U.S. takes on Czech Republic in Prague. Howard and Everton host Arsenal on Saturday (12:30, NBC) at Goodison Park in arguably the top match of the weekend.

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Major Respect to Landon Donovan for Going Out on His Own Terms

I was never a huge Landon Donovan fan but I have to admit that you'd have a hard time coming up with an American men's soccer player that has put together a more impressive professional career. At the ripe old age (yeah right) of 32, Donovan made the surprise announcement this afternoon that he's stepping away from the game that has given him so much (and vice versa) after this MLS season with the LA Galaxy is completed.

You realize how rare this is to see an athlete basically in his prime (although not according to Jurgen Klinsmann) retire before he becomes old and washed up? It's refreshing and it makes me find a whole new level of respect for Donovan. His whole life has been centered around soccer and who are we to tell him when he has to retire or not?

The midfielder/forward is the top goal-scorer in MLS history (138 regular season; 22 postseason, also a record) and U.S. national team history (57 goals, 58 assists in 156 caps) that played in three World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010) where he scored five total goals. He won five MLS Cups between the San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy along with the Golden Boot in 2008 and MLS MVP in 2009.

Not content to simply tear it up in the JV MLS and with the U.S., he stuck with it and tested himself overseas with some of the top teams in Germany (Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich) and England (Everton). Much like life itself, not every stop along the way was smooth or enjoyable but he continued to plug away and eventually left a lasting mark in the EPL with Everton in 2010 and 2012 loan spells.

Getting left off the 23-man roster for this summer's World Cup in Brazil caused plenty of controversy and I have to hand it to him that he didn't let it become too much of a distraction when everyone tried to make it one. He agreed to work as an analyst on ESPN during World Cup coverage, which had to be extremely awkward, but he didn't resort to low-rent tactics of sniping at Klinsmann or others when the U.S. struggled at times and eventually bowed out to Belgium. Clearly he would have helped the team and he should have been there but that's a moot point by now.

When I think of Donovan's illustrious career, two main things will come to mind first in a world of rich memories: 1) the way that Mexican fans absolutely despised him which in a weird way was the ultimate sign of respect; 2) his top moment for my money was the group-clincher vs. Algeria in 2010. That is on the short list of best moments in USMNT history.

In summation, thanks for the memories Landon and enjoy your retirement. You certainly earned it!


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Oh Crap, Looks Like Tim Howard Will Miss Some World Cup Qualifiers

Facing two vital World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica (March 22 in Colorado) and Mexico (March 26 in Mexico City) in two weeks, the U.S. men's soccer team received some very bad news. Goalkeeper Tim Howard picked up two broken bones in his back playing for Everton so he's expected to be out for the rest of March.

That means that backup goalkeeper Brad Guzan would start in his first World Cup qualifiers in four years for the Americans. The good news is that Guzan has been the starter lately for Aston Villa so he should be ready.

Howard was hurt Feb. 26 in an FA Cup win over Oldham and missed last weekend's Premier League game against Reading. That ended his streak of consecutive league matches at 210, two shy of the Everton record set by goalkeeper Neville Southall from 1987-93.

Everton manager David Moyes said Howard will miss Saturday's FA Cup quarterfinal against Wigan and the March 16 match league match versus Manchester City, but could return March 30 against Stoke.

"We are not sure how long Tim will be out for because, obviously with a goalkeeper, he has to dive around and hit the ground," Moyes said Friday, according to the team's website. "If everything goes well, he misses next week's game, as well, and then because of the international break he might be close after the rest because that would be four weeks."

Howard is getting up there in age (34) although goalkeepers can play at a much higher level in later years than most field players. He is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world; he started all their games at the 2010 World Cup and the previous seven World Cup qualifiers for Brazil 2014.

"He has two fractures, but they are not bones that are supporting anything," Moyes said. "It is off the spine. They are not weight-bearing. It just needs a bit of healing time. It is not like a pure fracture where you need to wait to look at it. It is a question of whether he can cope with the pain. The bones will heal themselves, but it's not good."

Midfielder Landon Donovan won't start training with the LA Galaxy until later this month so he won't be ready for these upcoming matches. Midfielder Clint Dempsey has been out since February 21 at Tottenham dealing with a calf injury and fullback Steve Cherundolo could miss a month at Hannover (Germany) with a shoulder injury.

None of this makes me feel better, I was already expecting the U.S. to not win at Mexico. They really need a win vs. Costa Rica to get some confidence back after the 2-1 loss at Honduras in February to open this last round of qualifying (the Hexagonal).

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In Case You Forgot, Tim Howard Is Still Playing At A Ridiculously High Level For Club & Country

It's been a whirlwind week for U.S. men's goalkeeper Tim Howard. He was an integral part of the 1-0 U.S. win in Mexico last Wednesday, their first ever victory there in 75 years. Today, his 2012-13 club season in England with Everton got off to an excellent start as they beat Manchester United 1-0.

Facing arguably the English Premier League's most fearsome strikers-Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Robin van Persie (who replaced Welbeck in the 68th minute)-Howard was up to the task as he earned a clean sheet against one of the world's top clubs. He made four saves including a punch on a Rooney header in the first half and a nice run off his line to stuff Shinji Kagawa in the second half.

The easiest thing to do is freak out (positively or negatively) about the first result in a season. Keep in mind, the EPL schedule lasts 38 matches. With that said, some good signs for the Toffees: it was the first time United had failed to win their opening fixture since 2008 but it was the first victory in five seasons for Everton in their opener. Plus, they had won only twice at home against United in 17 years.

Up next, Howard and Everton visit Aston Villa on Saturday morning (10 a.m. ET).

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Everton's Player Of The Month For January: Landon Donovan

Sadly, Landon Donovan's second loan at Everton will come to an end on Saturday as Everton faces Blackpool in a fifth-round FA Cup match.

Still, there has been much to celebrate after Donovan has delivered the goods once again for a solid club in the English Premier League. On Tuesday, he was rewarded with the Everton player of the month award for January.

It's the second time in three years that the Los Angeles Galaxy and U.S. midfielder won the Everton player of the month for January. Donovan assisted on five of Everton's eight goals in January and he added another one last weekend.

"It feels good," Donovan told Everton TV. "I think there was a point in January where no one was too happy with the way things were going, but the last few weeks have been a welcome change and a lot better, and it's been a lot more fun to be a part of, for sure."

Highlights included a 1-0 Premier League victory over first-place Manchester City.

"Any time you can beat the leaders it's a pretty special night," Donovan said, "and my dad was there that night, so it made it a little extra special for me."

Two years ago, Donovan scored two goals in 13 games during his first loan to Everton.

"It has a lot of similarities, the way it feels, to the first time," the 29-year-old told Everton TV. "I don't think anything will replicate that first trip here, but I've really enjoyed it. It's been a little easier in a way because I know the people, I know the roads, I know the area."

Thierry Henry couldn't go out on a high note today as Arsenal got whacked 4-0 by AC Milan in a Champions League round of 16 first leg. Let's hope that Donovan can have a little more memorable departure from England. He deserves it after his stellar play for the Toffees once again.

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Another Spectacular Day For U.S. Soccer

There have been more and more of them lately but today was truly a great day to be a fan of U.S. soccer.

A quick run through to the highlights all from the past 24 hours:

1) The U.S. women beat New Zealand 2-1 in a friendly at FC Dallas Stadium. My girl Alex Morgan (who's going to be in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue that drops this week!) saved the U.S. from a shocking defeat as she scored on a header in the 88th minute and another header in stoppage time. She has four goals in her past two games. The U.S. will next play on Feb. 29 (same day as U.S. men vs. Italy) against Denmark in the Algrave Cup held in Portugal.

2) It was another big performance by Everton teammates Landon Donovan and Tim Howard as the Toffees beat Chelsea 2-0. Donovan picked up an assist on Denis Stracqualursi's goal that made it 2-0 in the 71st minute. Howard notched the clean sheet.

3) Clint Dempsey scored in Fulham's 2-0 win over Stoke. It was credited as an own goal which is curious since Dempsey's blast went off Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen's hands, the crossbar, his back then in. It was all Dempsey as far as I'm concerned, he smoked the ball from well outside the box and it dipped at Sorensen, causing it to eat him up (in baseball fielding terms).

4) Charlie Davies made his return to French soccer after nearly 2.5 years out with injuries and playing in MLS. He came on as a sub in the 78th minute for Sochaux. On loan at D.C. United last season, he scored 11 goals in 26 games.

5) In likely his last EPL game ever, Thierry Henry added to his legend by scoring the game-winner in stoppage time for Arsenal, who beat Sunderland 2-1. It was a huge win too since it put Arsenal ahead of Chelsea and into fourth place (the cut off spot for Champions League).

Henry's final game on loan from the New York Red Bulls to the Gunners will be on Wednesday vs. AC Milan in a Champions League Round of 16 match. I wouldn't put it past him to get one more goal to the three he's already bagged. Furthermore, I have to give him and MLS credit; I guess he's not washed up and MLS might not be so bad if Donovan, Henry and Robbie Keane have all made an immediate impact in their returns to England.

Here's Morgan's second goal, sweet assist from Abby Wambach to head the ball to her. The crazy thing is I read both goals were headers and they both went off the post and in. Talk about being on fire.


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Hi Haters: Landon Donovan Continues To Do Work For Everton On His 2nd Loan

I've never pretended to be the biggest Landon Donovan fan.

In a column last week, Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl referred to U.S. fans as either Donovan supporters or Clint Dempsey honks. Without question, I fall into the latter category but I have to admit that Landycakes is getting it done in Everton, again.

In today's 1-0 win over Manchester City, Donovan had the assist on the game-winning goal by Darron Gibson in the 60th minute.



As you can see in this shaky YouTube highlight that was obviously taken right from a TV, the deflection in the box comes to Donovan. Rather than rush or force a shot, he lays it off softly for Gibson who hammers it in.

If you're scoring at home, this was the fifth assist for Donovan in seven matches (including FA Cup games) with Everton on this loan spell, his second with the Toffees.

A cynic would say where is this guy when the United States plays non-CONCACAF legitimate opponents but hey, at least he is doing this somewhere against top-flight competition. All we can hope is that this pushes him into a great spring and summer with the U.S. as they start World Cup qualifying for Brazil 2014.

PS Tim Howard had the clean sheet for Everton, handing Manchester City only its third loss of the EPL season thus far.

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Team Donovan & Howard (Everton) Beats Team Dempsey (Fulham) 2-1 In FA Cup

I have no idea where U.S. men's head coach Jurgen Klinsmann was today but I would guess that he parked himself in front of a TV this afternoon to watch his three best players-Tim Howard, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey-compete in an FA Cup match.

Howard and Donovan's club Everton won 2-1 over Dempsey's Fulham in a fifth-round game. What's more, Donovan (playing in his sixth game while on loan) provided both assists on strong aerial crosses from the right side.

It marked the first time that Everton beat Fulham in an FA Cup match after four consecutive losses.

"Landon's been great since he's been here,'' Everton assistant manager Steve Round said. "He's a real diamond of a guy, he's a very intelligent footballer and the lads all like him. You've seen the quality of his end product, whether it be from crosses or set plays.

"He's a top player."

Donovan and Dempsey had played on the last two World Cup teams for the U.S. and I would argue that they are the two best male field players that the United States has ever produced. This was only the seventh time that they'd played each with the last time taking place six years ago in MLS when Dempsey's New England Revolution topped Donovan's LA Galaxy 4-0.

After Fulham's Danny Murphy converted on a penalty kick in the 14th minute, Everton equalized in the 27th minute thanks to Denis Stracqualursi's first goal for the Toffees. Donovan's cross was perfectly placed as Stracqualursi headed it into the corner past Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale.

It was a quiet day for Dempsey, his most notable chance was a header early in the second half that went over the crossbar. Donovan tried his luck from distance, to no avail but once again he showed off his underrated passing (specifically crossing) ability.

He whipped the ball to Marouane Fellaini, who put the header in the top corner for the game-winner in the 73rd minute.

Howard didn't have to make any crazy saves but you can bet that if Everton continues to advance in the FA Cup, it will be thanks to him. Apropos of nothing, he's still wearing that camouflage goalkeeper jersey that I've never seen anybody else have.

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Landon Donovan Returns On Loan To Everton

Great news today for U.S. men's soccer team fans as it was announced that Landon Donovan will return to Everton in January for a two-month loan with the Toffees.

His Major League soccer team, the defending champion Los Angeles Galaxy, broke the news which will give Everton some attacking help as they try to improve on a particularly slow start in the English Premier League.

The Toffees are currently in 12th place (out of 20) in the EPL and if anything, they're lucky to be even that high since they've scored a measly 15 goals in 14 matches.

Donovan will be eligible to play starting January 4 as Everton hosts Bolton. He will be there for nine matches (8 EPL, 1 FA Cup), through a farewell game on February 25 at Liverpool.

Unfortunately, in that time frame Everton won't play Fulham and Donovan's U.S. teammate Clint Dempsey but they have notable matches Jan. 11 at Tottenham, Feb. 1 they host Manchester City and Feb. 11 they host Chelsea.

Tim Howard is still Everton's No. 1 goalkeeper so Donovan will be reunited with him. You probably remember that the first time around (January-March 2010) that Donovan scored two goals in 13 matches for the Toffees but most importantly, he won over the fickle English fans who understandably doubted his abilities.

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Everton's Goalkeeper Coach Joins U.S. Staff

Tim Howard is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world and as far as I know, there's nobody in the U.S. men's national team system that is pushing to take playing time away from him anytime soon.

That's why it makes perfect sense that U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann added Chris Woods to his staff. Who is Chris Woods you ask? He's been Everton's goalkeeper coach for the past 13 seasons which just so happens to be the club that Howard plays for in the English Premier League.

I don't think goalkeeper coaches do much, especially at that level, but I'm all in favor of doing anything that keeps Howard happy and performing at the level he's been at for years now. It's clear that he must have a close relationship with Woods at Everton so why not bring him to the U.S. for his international matches?

This hire doesn't require much creative thought but I'll venture a guess that the former Bruce Arena regime failed to think outside the box on a simple concept like this.

PS. The U.S. men meet Ecuador tonight at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ (7 p.m. on ESPN2). Stop by here because I'll be doing a live blog as Klinsmann tries to get his second straight win with the United States.

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No Donovan in Europe this season

Landon Donovan has to be the most exhausted player from the U.S. men's national team. It was a long grind of a year for Donovan: from a loan with Everton last winter, to the World Cup 2010 and back to his club team the LA Galaxy in the MLS.

He rightly deserves a break and it came today in the form of no loan to Europe this winter.

On the surface, it looks bad and we were the bloggers who demanded for Donovan to stay in Everton when he was playing the best soccer of his life. He did not but we can't argue with his personal results for the U.S. team in a successful run in South Africa. However, at this time it doesn't do his body any good to grind it down more.

Donovan scored two goals in 13 matches during a loan to Everton from last January to March, helping the Toffees beat Chelsea and Manchester United, and draw against Arsenal. Everton manager David Moyes appeared open to having the 28-year-old return.

"While I enjoyed my time at Everton last season and still appreciate all the support their fans have given me, I feel that it is important to continue to rest and recover this offseason as opposed to going on loan," Donovan said in a statement Tuesday. "I never considered being loaned to a club other than Everton, but I have been playing nearly nonstop for the past two years and I believe that this decision will allow me to perform at my best for the Galaxy and the national team throughout the upcoming year."

Donovan spent the early part of 2009 on loan to Bayern Munich, then rejoined the Galaxy. After a summer in which he played for the U.S. at the Confederations Cup, he returned to the Galaxy, took a short break, then joined Everton. That started a 10-month stretch that included the World Cup, where he had three goals for the Americans, including a stoppage-time score against Algeria that advanced the U.S. to the knockout phase.

Donovan said during the MLS playoffs last month that overcoming the mental fatigue was more challenging than dealing with the physical. Despite missing time for the World Cup, Donovan scored seven goals for the Galaxy and led MLS with 16 assists.

"We think (it's) in the best interest of the club and the player that Landon continues his postseason break and begins preparations for what will be a challenging year in 2011 at both the domestic and international levels," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said.

Donovan and all other veterans were bypassed for the U.S. training camp ahead of a Jan. 22 exhibition against Chile. He likely will rejoin the national team for a contemplated March 26 home exhibition against Argentina.

I promise this won't become like a Brett Favre watch

It doesn't take a genius to realize that Landon Donovan is coming back to the LA Galaxy next month when his very successful 10-week loan with Everton is over.

So join the Facebook group, bitch on Everton message boards and bombard Twitter but it looks certain that Landy Cakes is coming back to the MLS (for the Galaxy's March 27 season opener) before he goes to training camp with the U.S. men's national team.

It's not hyperbole to say Donovan's run so far with Everton has been an unblemished success. He was named Everton's player of the month for January and he has helped them move from twelth to eighth place in the EPL. They've been one of the hottest teams lately, knocking off Chelsea and Manchester United in consecutive weekends.

The silver lining in all of this is that Donovan is openly hoping for another stint in England in the near future.

"I'm enjoying it and enjoying every day that I'm here," Donovan said. "Every day that goes by makes me think that I want to stay here.

"I would definitely imagine that I will be back here at some point in my life."

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/story?id=4940784

Limey Yobs elect Donovan player of the month

Normally, a player of the month award is something that we don't celebrate too much in professional sports (since this isn't Little League and sorry Mom, everyone does not deserve a trophy) but in this case I think we can make an exception.

U.S. men's national team star Landon Donovan was voted Everton player of the month for January by club supporters and accepted his award today.

"It's a privilege to receive the recognition as it comes from the supporters," the 27-year-old told the club's official website.

Donovan's transfer loan is up in March, right before MLS season kicks off but is there any loophole that will let him stay in England? Please, he's not going to get any better by coming back to the MLS and dominating as usual. Even if you're a Galaxy fan, you have to hope that maybe he won't come back for longer than expected. Wouldn't be such a bad thing.

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/85/england/2010/02/18/1796684/landon-donovan-wins-everton-player-of-the-month

Donovan, Everton upset Chelsea, 2-1

The other big news in the English Premier League yesterday was Everton's stunning 2-1 upset of Chelsea without the services of two its top players Steven Pienaar (South African international) and Marouane Fellani.

Landon Donovan continued his pheonomenal play setting up the first Everton goal with a perfectly placed corner to Louis Saha. Donovan then set up a penalty kick for his team minutes later in the first half, but Saha could not convert.

However, Saha buried Chelsea in the second half after Sylvain Distin's majestic 50-yard long ball found the Toffee striker just at the top of the box. Saha chested the ball down and volleyed it past Cech, who had denied the Frenchman the go-ahead goal earlier on the PK.

Check out the youtube clip below for further highlights.

Remember when you hated Landon Donovan?

I am no different than you (if you like the US men's national soccer team), I have bitched about Landon Donovan-the face of the team-for much of the last decade. I finally realized something though after watching him score his first goal with Everton on Wednesday vs. Sutherland: it's time to love Landycakes.

He came onto the scene with the national team in 2002 and what a run as they advanced out of the group stage and beat bitter rival Mexico in the round of 16, to make it to the final eight before losing a classic to Germany.

Donovan had two disastrous stints playing on loan in Germany and each time he came slinking back to the US where he dominated the MLS like LeBron in the NBDL. Meanwhile, the turd sandwich submitted by the entire US team in the 2006 World Cup didn't help to build Donovan's national profile shall we say.

Oh well, he's a nice player who will never do anything outside of the US and except for a few World Cup games and qualifiers against the assorted garbage in CONCACAF.

As Lee Corso would see (assuming he knows what soccer is), "not so fast my friend." Donovan still plays for the LA Galaxy but his most recent loan to Everton-a middling team in the English Premier League-and performance last summer in the Confederations Cup is proof that Landon is a new man.

No longer does he crumble on the big stage against the quality opponents. He was the US' best player last summer vs. superpowers Spain and Brazil (ever heard of them?). And when the US plays at Mexico, who do the Mexican fans hate the most? Landon Donovan. They wouldn't hate a scrub so our neighbors to the South might be onto something.

So while players like Clint Mathis, DeMarcus Beasley and Eddie Johnson have caught our eyes for a fleeting moment, its time to give it up for a guy that has kept working and is proof that there are good American soccer players scattered around the world.