Tim Howard likely out for next USMNT match with injury

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Tim Howard probably won't be with the United States when they head to Costa Rica for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier. The goalkeeper suffered an injury in the Americans' 2-1 loss to Mexico on Friday and had to be subbed off. After the match, coach Jurgen Klinsmann confirmed that he's unlikely to be available against the Ticos.

"He pulled his muscle," Klinsmann said. "I think he's not able to come with us to Costa Rica. He'll have an MRI tomorrow morning. He's so experienced I think he knows it's not looking that good."

Howard got hurt while taking a goal kick. He fell to the ground after kicking the ball and was tended to by trainers. The 37-year-old decided to stay in the game, but it wasn't long before he signaled to the bench that he had to come off.

The U.S. turned to Brad Guzan in Howard's place. Guzan has been rotating with Howard as the team's starter for more than a year, but hasn't played for his club, Middlesbrough, since August. Because of his lack of playing time, Klinsmann opted to end his rotating goalkeeper policy and named Howard the starter. Now with Howard out, Guzan will get another look, though.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Rapids will also be sweating out Howard's MRI. The Rapids are in the Western Conference final and will desperately want to have him healthy for the first leg against the Seattle Sounders on Nov. 22.

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