TIM HOWARD’s biggest contribution to soccer in the U.S. may still be in front of him.
In the week he enters the National Soccer Hall of Fame, his daughter has committed to play at college.
But unlike her goalkeeper dad, Ali Howard will not don the gloves on Tennessee’s roster.
Ali plays as a striker for Briarcrest Christian School and managed 18 goals and six assists as a junior.
The Saints reached the Division II-AA quarterfinals in 2023 thanks to her help.
“This would not be possible without the constant support of my family, friends, coaches, teammates, trainers and, of course, God!,” she posted on Instagram.
“I can’t wait to represent my home state in orange and white!”
The Lady Vols welcome their new recruit in 2025.
They finished 9-7-4 last season and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Ali’s dad Tim started at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and made 121 international appearances from 2002-17.
Most read in Football
It is the most among American goalkeepers.
And this week Memphis 901’s minority owner joins his idols Tony Meola, Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel in the Hall of Fame.
“Obviously, it is the honor of my life,” Howard, 45, said.
U.S. Soccer has struggled to keep up the production line of world-class goalkeepers.
Zack Steffen returned to Major League Soccer from Manchester City this year, Matt Turner lost his starting job in the Premier League and Ethan Horvath is in England’s second division.
“We had it locked. We had this goalkeeping thing figured out for a long time, didn’t we? Going all the way back. And, yeah, it just seems like we’ve had a little bit of a rut,” Howard said.
“The game has continued to evolve, and I don’t know if our young goalkeepers are getting pushed as hard as they need to, to that breaking point.
He could be the greatest U.S. goalkeeper of all time.
Tim Howard
“One of the things that Kasey Keller said to me when I signed with Manchester United, and it stuck with me forever, he just said, look, in order to be judged as a goalkeeper you have to play 100 games at the highest level.
“And right now, our young guys aren’t getting those games to even be able to judge them.
“I like Zack, and I like Matt. I do like Matt’s wherewithal, fortitude and mental toughness.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“Zack’s talent is unmatched and I’ve always said about Zack he could be the greatest U.S. goalkeeper of all time because of the physical tools that he possesses.”
Howard can now use all his experience to help Ali turn into a nightmare for college goalkeepers.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
