Howard closing Everton career

Keeper will join Rapids in July

It’s time for Tim Howard to take his final bow for the Everton FC faithful.

The Liverpool-based club on Friday announced that the 37-year-old U.S. international goalkeeper will start the final two home games at Goodison Park to conclude his Everton career, before his July move to the Rapids.

Everton plans to honor and celebrate Howard’s 10year career with the Blues, a team for which he has appeared 412 times, posting 132 shutouts.

“His legacy will live on for many years in the work that he’s done, not just on the pitch but in helping young players to understand just what it means and what it takes to be an Everton player,” Everton manager Roberto Martinez said on the club’s official website.

Howard will face Bournemouth on Saturday and, in his final Premier League match, Norwich City on May 15.

The news closes any hope the Rapids may have had of acquiring Howard during the MLS primary transfer window, which closes May 11. The secondary window opens July 4, when Howard is expected to debut for the Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park against defending MLS Cup champion Portland.

Footnote.

The Rapids on Thursday loaned midfielder Zach Pfeffer to the Charlotte Independence, their USL affiliate, to get him regular playing time. He has not appeared in a match this year. Defender Dennis Castillo also was loaned to Charlotte, but he is expected to rejoin the Rapids next week.