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Howard set for Rapids debut vs. Timbers

@ColoradoRapids / Twitter

Tim Howard is poised to make his first Major League Soccer outing in 13 years in Monday's meeting with the Portland Timbers.

The 37-year-old goalkeeper was introduced as a Colorado Rapids player and given the No. 1 jersey on June 27, following a move Stateside from Everton that was confirmed in March.

Related: Tim Howard signs with Colorado Rapids, will join club from Everton this summer

Now, after leaving the New York MetroStars (the predecessor of the Red Bulls) for Manchester United in 2003, he's set for his U.S. homecoming.

"I just want to get out there. It's what I do, it's where I'm happiest. The sooner I can get on the field, the better," New Jersey native Howard said last week.

"There were things about these discussions that felt right. I didn't think they were selling me a bill of goods, it felt genuine. That was the biggest part of it for me. There's no place I'd rather be. Once I finished having those discussions, it was Denver for sure."

The 109-time capped U.S. international recently lost his spot between the sticks for the national side to Brad Guzan, but if Howard's assertions about his condition are true, he's more than capable of winning back Jurgen Klinsmann's trust.

"I'm fitter at 37 than I was at 27. I hire my own physios, my own acupuncturists, I've got countless amounts of equipment in my house to make sure I'm fit and ready and able," he insisted.

The Rapids have conceded a league-low 11 goals over 16 MLS outings, and coach Pablo Mastroeni is confident Howard will do a fine job in succeeding incumbent shot-stopper Zac MacMath and eventually prove a valuable asset behind the stingy back four.

"It will take some time, but he's well-traveled, has great experience, and has played at the highest level," said Mastroeni. "I think his integration will be seamless."

Western Conference rivals and reigning MLS Cup champions, the Portland Timbers are currently sixth in the division. Their defense has let them down this term as the joint third-worst across the league.

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