Tim Howard Named US Male Soccer Player of the Year
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Stock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Tim Howard, goalkeeper of the United States Men’s National Soccer Team, was named the 2014 U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year on Thursday.
It is the second time in his career that Howard has received the honor, first winning it in 2008.
The award, revealed on ESPN’s SportsCenter, is given to the top performer from the United States National Team.
“It’s pretty special to have my name up there with the greats,” Howard said on SportsCenter.
Howard beat out five of his teammates to take the accolade, helping the U.S. reach the knockout stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil this past summer. Among the others on the ballot were Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Clint Dempsey, Fabian Johnson, and Jermaine Jones.
His most memorable performance was a World Cup record 15 saves in the Round of 16 against Belgium. Howard helped to keep the match scoreless until extra time when Belgium came away with a 2-1 victory, eliminating the Americans.
Howard has started eight consecutive matches for the U.S., earning a 3-3-1 record in 2014. This year, he became the all-time leader for starts as a goalkeeper as well as the American’s all-time leader in wins with 55.
Votes were collected from current U.S. coaches, players and staff, MLS and NASL head coaches, select media members, and former players and administrators.
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