By Gerry Maravilla

Great goalkeepers are like fine wines in that they only improve with age. No goalkeeper fits that bill better than the U.S.’s own Tim Howard. The 30-year-old keeper from New Jersey got his start in the game when former U-17 assistant coach Tim Mulqueen began to mentor him in his early teens. After successful highs school campaigns, Howard transitioned into the now defunct United Soccer Leagues playing for the New Jersey Imperials. Howard’s relationship with Mulqueen then came into play and his mentor brought the young keeper to the MLS MetroStars in 1998.

By 2001, Howard had won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award and attracted the attention of the Senior U.S. International Team. After playing for the youth team in 1999, Howard earned his first official cap in 2002 in a friendly against Ecuador. However, it was a transfer in 2003 that made Howard a household name around the world.

English football giants Manchester United signed Howard and promptly placed him in the starting position. He had an impressive first season, but later struggled to meet the demands of the highly competitive English Premiership. After 45 appearances with Manchester United, Howard transferred to Everton in 2006. Since his debut he become Everton’s starting keeper and has even captained for the English club.

Howard has had a successful career abroad, but his recent performances with the U.S. National Team have made him the respected athlete he is today. In 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Howard helped lift hits team to a 2-1 victory over region rivals, Mexico. Under the leadership of coach Bob Bradley, Howard and the U.S. squad toppled number one-ranked Spain at the 2009 Confederations Cup. Eight saves led to a shutout against Spanish favorites, marking the first time Spain has been shutout since 2007. Howard’s talents were recognized by FIFA, who awarded him the Golden Glove Award for best goalkeeper.

The U.S. will have a tough first match in South Africa this year as the team gears up to face England. After a disappointing campaign in 2006, the U.S. is sure to want to leave a strong impression upon the international scene more in line with last year’s Confederations Cup. Will the U.S. make it into the knockout stages? Can they perhaps reach the final? Whatever the outcome, Howard is sure to play an integral part in it.