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Goalkeeper, Tim Howard, went from high school in his home town of North Brunswick, New Jersey, directly to MLS (Major League Soccer) under the Project 40 program. In 1997 he joined the US ISL’s North Jersey Imperials and in 1998 he signed a professional contract with MLS whereapon he was allocated to the New Jersey Metrostars.
He was born with a condition called Tourette's Syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by rapid and involuntary tics and vocalizations. He was first diagnosed with TS when he was 11 years old, and has says it has never interfered with his playing sports.
Despite spending most of the year as a backup, in 1998 Howard made his first MLS appearance on August 18, 1998 in a 4-1 win over the Colorado Rapids at the Meadowlands.2000 was his breakthrough season, Howard played 794 minutes, recorded nine starts and logged an impressive 1.59 goals against average.
In 2001 he was named MLS Aquafina Goalkeeper of the Year as well as NY Life's Humanitarian of the Year for his work with charities supporting Tourette's Syndrome. Howard was named an MLS All-Star for the 2001 season after earning the number one shirt with the MetroStars.
Howard, has become the best keeper the USA has developed since Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller, and is the best of a whole group of talented young American keepers. Howard's Tourette's Syndrome is a relatively mild case of the neurological disorder but he is still prone to twitching and vocal outbursts.
Since going public with his condition two years ago, Howard has become a spokesman for those with the disease and has become very active in creating awareness for TS serving on the Board of Directors of the Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey.
He was the best keeper in MLS for two seasons and had had training stints at AC Milan and Feyenoord. He almost signed with the Dutch club but the deal fell through when the MLS was asking too much for him.
U.S. National team coach Bruce Arena has begun to groom Howard as his goalkeeper of the future. He stands now as third choice behind Friedel and Keller, and the heir apparent after those two retire from international competition after Germany 2006.
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On 14th July 2003 he signed four-year contract with Manchester United, for £2.3 million. Sir Alex had aquired a physically imposing and talented young player, but one without much experience at the highest level. Yet Fergie had no hesitation in installing Tim immediately as first choice. In the keeper's first real test for United, the Community shield he was the hero making vital saves in the penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw. Building on this excellent start, Howard was brilliant for the first half of the season making many fabulous and match-winning saves, especially in games which were won by a single goal. Many fans and pundits thought he was the player of the season however things took a downturn in February after Rio Ferdinand's suspension destabilised the Reds defence. As the team leaked goals Howard lost confidence and Sir Alex rested him for a number of games. None the less, by the final games Tim had returned to the action and collected his first major honour in the FA Cup Final win over Millwall. In doing so he became the first American to win an FA Cup winners medal.
In 2004-2005 he started as first choice but lost his place to Roy Carroll after a poor game at Lyon. Howard was left with the lesser League Cup and FA Cup matches until February. Carroll's error at home to AC Milan prompted Ferguson to bring Tim back and rest the Ulsterman. It was something of a suprise then when the American was dropped again at the end of the season.
Doubts over his future were quelled when in May 2005 he signed a new four year contract keeping him at United until 2009. The American made few appearances last season, mostly in the League Cup and was reportedly unhappy with the arrival of Edwin Van Der Sar he known van der Sar. In May 2006 a deal was agreed with Everton for Howard to join the Merseyside club on loan for the 2006-2007 season.
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