Howard Honored in England
Less than a year after some questioned his decision to leave America for the English Premier League, goalkeeper Tim Howard was honored as the top player at his position.
Howard, who left the New York/New Jersey MetroStars of Major League Soccer to play for Manchester United, earned the nod in a vote by the Professional Footballers’ Assn., which unveiled the Premier League’s team of the year.
Arsenal’s French striker Thierry Henry, who has 29 goals in 33 games, earned the league’s top-player award for the second consecutive season.
Howard is only the second American to be selected to the team. Last season, Blackburn and veteran U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel earned the honor.
This season, Howard has 11 shutouts in 29 games and a 1.00 goals-against average for third-place Manchester United.
Howard arrived last summer with no guarantee to start, let alone play, but he quickly displaced starter and French World Cup winner Fabien Barthez, who eventually was loaned for the season to Olympique Marseille of France.
Arena on Albright
U.S. Coach Bruce Arena, whose team plays Mexico on Wednesday in a friendly at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, said Chris Albright’s move from an attacking role to defense has been a good one.
“Over time, he can develop into a very good outside back,” Arena said of the Galaxy player who is training with the national team this week. “I think he has the kind of qualities you want in an outside back. Hopefully, over time he will develop into a good one and challenge for a position on this team.”
Another Galaxy defender, Danny Califf, was supposed to practice with the U.S. team this week, but he suffered a strained ligament in his right knee in a game against Columbus last weekend. Califf had an MRI exam Monday but results won’t be known until today.
Blatter Speaks
FIFA President Joseph “Sepp” Blatter predicted a close race among nations that want to play host to Africa’s first World Cup in 2010, and said he hoped he would not have to cast a deciding vote.
“If you are listening around the world, then you can imagine that it will be possibly as tight as it was in 2000, when it came to the decision for 2006,” Blatter said of South Africa, which narrowly lost the previous bid to Germany in a controversial vote.
South Africa is now a favorite to play host to the 2010 tournament, but faces competition from Morocco, among others.
“Don’t ask me who is my favorite,” Blatter said. “Understand that I am neutral.”
Keane Sidelined
Midfielder Roy Keane pulled out of his comeback match with Ireland, citing a hamstring injury.
The Manchester United captain, who walked out on the Ireland team on the eve of the 2002 World Cup, had been set to make his international return in Wednesday’s friendly against Poland.
Keane said April 20 that he would rejoin the team after a self-imposed exile caused by a fallout with former coach Mick McCarthy.
Other key players who will sit out friendlies this week are Netherlands’ striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Spain defender Carles Puyol, Italy striker Alessandro Del Piero and Germany striker Miroslav Klose.
Quick Passes
Two children were among 16 people injured in a fireworks explosion in Nicaragua during celebrations after Real Esteli won the league title.... Ersun Yanal signed a four-year contract to coach Turkey, replacing Senol Gunes, who led the country to the 2002 World Cup semifinals but failed to qualify for Euro 2004.... Former Japan coach Philippe Troussier, currently in charge of Qatar, wants the vacant South Korea job, Japanese newspaper Nikkan Sports reported.... Ecuador starting goalkeeper Jose Francisco Cevallos will sit out up to six months after undergoing knee surgery, the Ecuadorean Football Federation said.... Tampa Bay Buccaneer owner Malcolm Glazer increased his shareholding in Manchester United to 18.25%, up from 16.69%.
-- Compiled by Jim Barrero
