The Colorado Rapids announced on Monday that goalkeeper Tim Howard has fractured his right adductor longus and will undergo season-ending surgery. He is expected to miss four months of action, and will not play in the Western Conference Championship next week.
Howard injured himself in the first half of the United States’ 2-1 loss to Mexico in CONCACAF 2016 FIFA World Cup Qualifying on Friday. Brad Guzan replaced Howard in the 40th minute.
The veteran goalkeeper spent six years in MLS with the New York Metrostars from 1998-2003 before plying his trade overseas. He joined the Rapids from English Premier League side Everton on July 4 during the summer transfer window, although Colorado originally announced his signing on March 20.
Howard started 17 regular-season games after his arrival. He went 6-3-8 with a 1.12 Goals Against Average and seven shutouts. He had allowed just one goal in two postseason playoff matches, including two massive saves in the penalty-kick shootout that lifted the Rapids past the LA Galaxy and into the Western Conference Championship.
He is a finalist for the Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Howard’s backup is Zac MacMath, who started the season in net for Colorado. MacMath went 9-3-5 in 17 games with a 0.76 GAA and six shutouts. He has no postseason experience, although he was a backup on the Philadelphia Union’s 2011 playoff team.
The Sounders host the Rapids in the first leg of the Western Conference Championship on Tuesday, Nov. 22 (7 p.m. PT; FS1, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360AM). The return leg will be in Commerce City on Sunday, Nov. 27.
