News and Notes 1/22/19

Ok, a few news and notes from today.

Starting with the big one.  Tim Howard announced he's retiring at the end of 2019 today.  I don't think anyone was surprised by the news, but it calls the end to a great career.  From the Metrostars to Everton to the 'Secretary of Defense' to the Colorado Rapids he's been the top keeper everywhere he plays.  While age, and that injury at the end of 2016, have taken their toll his leadership on and off the field has been key.  Enjoy one last season with arguably the best keeper in American history (I'd argue Friedel was better ;) ).

Secondly if you didn't see my revision to yesterday's post, I was wrong about the international statuses.  We only have 6 slots, not 7, and Boateng got his green card last season.  So we currently have 7 internationals and that assumes Shinyashiki does have his green card.  So we still need to make a move.

On the schedule front the Rapids announced that the Wednesday July 17th home game against Minnesota will now be played on Saturday June 8th.  This will push the game into the gold Cup window so some players may be missing, but I'm all for that trade off to get another Saturday night game and remove a weeknight game.

Lastly the final rosters for the upcoming U.S. friendlies were announced and Keegan Rosenberry will be part of them.  Kellyn Acosta did not make the cut and will leave u.S. camp in California to join up with the Rapids in Florida.