Who should be the starting goalkeeper for the USMNT?

[soccermusician]

Right now, Keller has been the man in Qualifying for the US. I have never seen Keller do what Howard did against Chelsea. I mean not just do we barely even get Media for US soccer players, but when we do, it's stuff like that. It's not all timmy's fault what happened in that game, but he did have abit to do with it. Probably almost 50%. Second after keller should be Freidel, then howard. No not Joe Cannon or Adin Brown or El Gato Hartman or Johnny Walker or Nick Rimando!!!! at WC2006 it will be those 3 goalies Kasey, Brad, and Tim!!!!!! I think i made myself clear!!!!!!

[Mainer5]

I would go with Howard. Just because he doesn't start GK at ManUtd doesn't mean he isn't the best for the job. Howard has potential for greatness and has the skill and speed for the national level. Freidal and Keller are great GKs in the own right, but they do seem like they have lost a step. Age will do that to even the best. Just ask Michael Jordan. I really like both Freidal's and Howard's attitudes on the field. However, I haven't been impressed with some of Keller's psycho antics I've seen in the past when things aren't going well. He always seems well composed, and then he seems to snaps anytime he has to do his job and make a save. There is a difference between inspiring your defense to step up and just being a whiner. I may be being harsh, but Keller seems to do a lot of unnecessary whining on the field. I would also like to see some MLS keepers get a shot at the job, but Howard should have the start in my book. Maybe Howard should go back to MLS for a permanent start job just so he meets the "criteria" of starting for his club team.


I am not sure how you can say Keller has slowed down after watching him play this weekend. His reactions ( his strength) were excellent, and if not for him his side might have lost by a couple of goals instead of tying. The goal that was given, was because theJan Koller was unmarked and kasey had not chance on the goal. Keller is currently in great form and as another poster said, hungry to play for his country.

[SeeJay07]

I think Keller deserves the first chance as the starter. Howard 2nd. I don't think Brad is going to play in internationals anymore. None of this Cannon, Rimando, Walker talk. Keller has the desire and seems determined to backstop his country again. I think he felt somewhat slighted when Friedel had the #1 job in the '02 WC. Howard has the tools and just needs the confidence and opportunity to become a world class keeper.

[Octavius Agustus]

Brad Guzan

[Oakland Co United]

Not Howard at this time that is for sure. The keeper should be starting for his club. How about MLS keepers (Walker or Cannon) with a possible third or fourth MLS keeper.

BA goes with experience in road qualifiers. Plenty of time this year (Gold Cup, etc) to get others in the mix. It'd be huge to go down there and get 3 pts. I'd go with KK for experience over Howard.

[startFC]

1- Kasey Keller (proven winner, played signifigant time this year)
2- Brad Friedel (proven winner, not in as good as form as KK but starts for club
3- Tim Howard (obviously better than any MLS keeper, but not starting for club hurts, he should be used as much as possible because he is the future)

Enen though I am a huge Tim Howard fan I think the American manager should use Keller as first choice and then use Timmy for cup games that they play in, and once theyve qualified, I think if he gets enough games his true ability will come about again.

[diamonotron]

Cannon http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=4027826#
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=4027826#

[Chromeknee]

I think Keller deserves the first chance as the starter. Howard 2nd. I don't think Brad is going to play in internationals anymore. None of this Cannon, Rimando, Walker talk. Keller has the desire and seems determined to backstop his country again. I think he felt somewhat slighted when Friedel had the #1 job in the '02 WC. Howard has the tools and just needs the confidence and opportunity to become a world class keeper.

Slighted???? He was the first choice goal keeper but Arena went with Friedel because Friedel was playing well and Keller had some nagging injuries. He understood very well why Friedel was chozen and knew it was the best decision for the team. I certainly doubt that he felt slighted. As it turned out, it wasn't such a bad choice, was it.

[soccermusician]

OK GUYS LETS USE ARE HEADS A BIT!!!!
KELLER #1
FREIDEL #2
HOWARD #3
I know just cause howard is with MAnU u guys all want to see him play but he is sucking right now!!!!!!!!!!!! Howard is always gonna be the more popular one but he needs to get it strait first in his head, then he will perform. He is a great Goalie dont get me wrong. But The other 2 cats are just better.

[MT mojo]

I say Howard because his confidence has to be lacking now because all of the craziness at ManU. I think this game would be a good one to help him get his confidence and focus back. Obviously it's an important game, but there is no reason the US can't win by at least 2 goals no matter who is at GK. Perfect time for Howard to get some playing time.

[Justin O]

Slighted???? He was the first choice goal keeper but Arena went with Friedel because Friedel was playing well and Keller had some nagging injuries. He understood very well why Friedel was chozen and knew it was the best decision for the team. I certainly doubt that he felt slighted. As it turned out, it wasn't such a bad choice, was it.

As I recall, he commented publicly about feeling slighted.

Anyway, given that the poll asks generally about who should be the US #1, and not just for the T&T match, I can't believe more people are picking Howard than Friedel. That seems nuts. Over the last 12 months how many times has Howard had a better weekend peformance than Friedel? Or to put it nother way, put Friedel in a Man Utd. jersey right now and I feel certain Ferguson would (and should) start him.

[paladius]

I agree. What Friedel did in Korea still sets the bar for me. I don't think I've ever seen a goalie handle so much pressure so well. Some of his saves seemed impossible. I thought he was even better than Kahn for Germany. I haven't been able to see him on tv in EPL in a long time, so I don't know if he's beginning to seriously age. Hey, I even like the fact that he has a fake English accent!

Keller makes me nervous even though he's cool as a cucumber, makes great saves, handles pressure well, but I have to say I've seen him make some real bonehead moves in the past, especially his screw-up against Mexico several years ago. (Kicked a goal kick right into a forward that went back over his head and into the goal).

If he's eliminated the goofy screw-ups (I haven't seen him on t.v. in a while), he's probably the favorite for the position. I like Keller, but we've got a bunch of great goalies, and I think we really have to split hairs, since the keeper can give us a real strategic advantage. I wonder if we shouldn't be looking at Cannon, too. I think he's actually quicker than the other guys.

[MT mojo]

Who saw this coming?

http://www.ussoccer.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=148961&itype=113&iCategoryID=0