Rapids' Howard requires groin surgery; will miss 4 months

The Colorado Rapids have lost star goalkeeper Tim Howard for the remainder of the MLS playoffs, and possibly the start of the next season as well, announcing Monday the 37-year-old will require groin surgery.

He's expected to miss four months.

Howard suffered the unfortunate injury as he attempted a goal kick in the first half of the United States' World Cup qualifier Friday against Mexico.

Reports emerged afterward indicating a recovery timetable of months, not weeks, and Monday's diagnosis confirmed those fears.

Howard will now have to sit out Tuesday's qualifier in Costa Rica, as well as both legs of Colorado's Western Conference semifinal against the Seattle Sounders.

Should the Rapids make the MLS Cup final, he would miss that as well.

Brad Guzan will assume No. 1 duties on the international scene; Zac MacMath will take the gig on club level.

If all goes according to plan, Howard would face a race to be fit for the start of the 2017 MLS season. He's currently scheduled to return in mid-March.