Howard Named Premiership Goalkeeper of the Year

CHICAGO (April 25, 2004) — U.S. international goalkeeper Tim Howard capped a remarkable year in the English Premier League when he was named to the English Premier League Team of the Year.

CHICAGO (April 25, 2004) —  U.S. international goalkeeper Tim Howard capped a remarkable year in the English Premier League when he was named to the English Premier League Team of the Year.  The awards banquet, held in London tonight, honors the top 11 players as voted on by the Professional Footballer's Association.  Howard is only the second American ever to receive this honor, and becomes the second American goalkeeper in a row to receive the award.  Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Brad Friedel became the first American ever to be named to the Team of the Year in 2003.

Howard, 24, joined world-renowned Manchester United in July of 2003 in the biggest transfer in American soccer history after five seasons with the MetroStars of Major League Soccer.  He immediately gained international recognition when he became United's starting goalkeeper, displacing French World Cup champion goalkeeper Fabian Barthez.  Howard has posted 11 shutouts in 29 games his inaugural season while posting a 1.00 goals against average. The Red Devils sit in third place in the English Premier League standings with three matches remaining.  Howard has nine international appearances for the U.S. national team, collecting three shutouts.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE YEAR

Goalkeeper
Tim Howard (Manchester United)

Defenders
Lauren (Arsenal), Sol Campbell (Arsenal), John Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Arsenal)

Midfielders
Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Robert Pires (Arsenal), Patrick Vieira (Arsenal)

Forwards
Thierry Henry (Arsenal), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United)