http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/world/2004-01-22-howard_x.htm I guess it's nothing new for most of us, but apparently it will be on the front page (not front of sports page) tomorrow, so that will be pretty cool.
Great stuff, especially reading the quotes from the English press...Gotta remember to get USA Today tomorrow.....
Howard, Coton says, picking his words judiciously, "is on a path to lead him to big things." He pauses for a moment and throws his caution to the wind: "He could be the very best in the world." Here here. Way to go Timmy.
Absolutly a great artical, perhaps the best, on Howard. I firmly believe that his sucsess is the prime reason so many US player now are getting intrest from the top leagues in the world. Tim has really helped open the gates to what is sure to be a revolving door into Europe for young American players today.
Anyone know if it made the cover? It's linked on the home page of USA Today. Also see Beau Dure's article on YAs -- our Bocanegra thread gets a mention. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/columnist/dure/2004-01-22-dure_x.htm
The feature was on my local morning news. Although the lady called Man yoo, "The Manchester United". Even if you don't follow soccer, doesn't it just sound wrong? I can understand "The MLS", but "The Manchester United"?
That's amazing. Howard on the front page and a BigSoccer mention - I guess I'll have to pick up multiple copies to give to friends who are slightly less devoted soccer fans.
I spent 5 minutes looking through the USA Today sports page wondering where the Tim Howard article was (DUH!). How sweet! A glowing article on the front page. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I just think his story is a way bigger deal than the English press acknowlege. I have to admit that all the coverage of Howard's performances has been positive since the season started (thankfully -- the initial reports were condescending at best, tasteless at worst). But I don't think there's quite enough rejoicing at how great a story this is. I mean, this guy went from relative obscurity to starting every big game for the 2nd biggest team on the planet, kicking out a global superstar and world cup winner in the process. Maybe the reason that there are no good english keepers anymore is b/c the british press doesn't give keepers any props!
The print edition did not include the chart at the end that broke down the different YA's in England. It did, however, have an extra little story about how successful our keepers have been in England. Alex Fergusen claimed it was due to our other sports helping to develop coordination. Bruce Arena claimed that our field players just aren't given the chances that our keepers have been given.
For those of you who didn't see the print version, walk past any newstand -- it's the lead, above the fold story with a picture of Howard. I nearly stumbled off the sidewalk when I saw it this morning Is it safe to call this the best transfer ever from MLS?
not to thread-jack, but he is refering to the naysayers and those who though he would be constantly swearing in goal due to tourettes... F'em all..
Very nice article,but I would have rather seen Beau, as their regular soccer guy, get the shot at the cover........
One of the best things about Howard, McBride, and maybe all the boys abroad is that they really seem like good people with an appreciation for where they are and where they came from. Unlike so many athletes from other sports, they appear to have some humility. Maybe it's the value lessons of AYSO! Whatever it is, I find myself getting a sh!t-eating grin whenever another one hits it big abroad. It is easy to be genuinely happy for them.
I hope Beau Dure can shed some light on what went on behind the scenes to get this story on the front page. I still can't believe it.
Anyone notice that the on-line article used the term *#*#*#*#*#rdly and the print article said "just".. Maybe they're afraid we'd think it's some racist term, or sumpin' ? (dum dee dum)
Yeah, I stopped at a stand this morning where the washington post and usa today were next to each other. as I started to put my 35 cents in for the post, i realized that Tim Howard was staring me in the face on USA Today. I quickly had to grab another 50 cents to buy one of those too. It's a shame that the "cultured" English would resort to the kind of name calling that they did. We're not even talking about the fans. I think we all expect some drunken fans to say crazy stuff .......... that's just par for the course. However, to hear that the newspapers were ripping him because of the Tourette's Syndrome, and mocking him openly because of it. Well, that's just a darn shame. Props to Coton for taking a stand.