Over the last few years, the position of goalkeeper has been an uncharacteristic weakness for the United States. Having moved so smoothly from Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller through to Tim Howard, it’s quite remarkable to see head coach Jurgen Klinsmann rooting around for an in-form shot-stopper.
Howard’s drop in form post-World Cup 2014 was a hammer blow, and while some celebrated the fact Brad Guzan’s time had come, his 2015-16 season with Aston Villa was among the worst in Premier League history. The team conceded 76 goals—most of which were with him between the sticks—and at one point, he lost his place to Mark Bunn.