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Tim Howard’s MLS return is exciting for fans across the board

By Carson A Merk

Jun 25, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; United States goalkeeper Tim Howard reacts against Colombia during the third place match of the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; United States goalkeeper Tim Howard reacts against Colombia during the third place match of the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Officially introduced as a member of the Colorado Rapids, Tim Howard’s MLS return is a big deal for soccer fans all across the US, and elsewhere.

“Dude, if Tim Howard was playing, we would have won.” I’m not sure about you, but I heard this more times than I can count from a lot of different people during this year’s Copa America. Outside of the Argentina loss, Brad Guzan did a good job in net for the USMNT throughout the tournament. So why the cries for Tim Howard?

Over his time in international soccer, he became a cult phenomenon in America. The Secretary of Defense nickname, covered in tattoos, the eye-catching saves, the beard! He was our goalkeeper, and our hero. He announced his return to Major League Soccer months ago, and now that he’s officially back in Major League Soccer on July 4th, fans of all ages, soccer interest level, and location will be excited to see how his Colorado Rapids career progresses.

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The very casual fans, who tune in only during international play to tweet about the US squad, or to wear over the top ‘Merica gear to the local bar for the watch party, loved Howard. Team captain Michael Bradley could walk by this type of fan, say hello, and most of them would wonder who that random bald guy was. He’s a great player, and a huge piece of our nation’s team, but he isn’t “cool” like Howard.

The casual fan ladies think he’s handsome, the casual guys love his intense demeanor. Some of these fans may catch wind of a Howard return to the MLS, and tune in to see him between the posts for the Colorado Rapids. Will they become MLS fans? Most likely not, but at the very least, they may be less inclined to want to change the channel if they see the always social media popular keeper in-goal.

Soccer fans in this country want to see how he fares back in the MLS. We know Tim Howard is towards the end of his illustrious career, but will he able to dominate a league considered weak by critics around the world? Has the skill in Major League Soccer elevated so much that Howard is just an average keeper, or even struggles a bit to find his footing?

These are questions American soccer fans want answered. Especially during the post international tournament viewership boom, people will tune in to see how the American hero goalkeeper fares in his native country’s league, a league he played in, over a decade ago, before departing for the English Premier League’s Manchester United, then to Everton.

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That’s where English fans come into the excitement picture. Making over 300 appearances for Everton, Tim Howard is a legend at Goodison Park forever. His hard work, great skills, and endearing personality made fans of the legendary English club fall in love with the American goalkeeper.

His farewell to the Everton fans after he agreed to leave the club for Colorado, was emotional to say the least. Those die-hard supporters will surely tune in to see their longtime man, when matches are available, or at the very least, follow his new journey on the internet or social media.

Beginning on July 4th when the MLS transfer window officially opens, there will be a lot of new eyes on the first place Colorado Rapids and their goalkeeping celebrity. No matter of his level of success, the attention his arrival generates is good news for Major League Soccer, and exciting for fans across the board.

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