TIM HOWARD

Zack Steffen was picked over Ethan Horvath to be in goal at Estadio Azteca when the United States opened the final qualifying window against Mexico.

Getting through the first six games of World Cup qualifying has taken a village for the United States.

Bumpy field, outdated stadiums.

Among 15 players at RB Leipzig who headed last week to national teams, Tyler Adams tried to explain to teammates what it's like playing in CONCACAF, which allows subpar fields in outdated stadiums that elite leagues don't tolerate. “They sit there and laugh because they have to play against England, France, obviously some great countries with a lot of talent,” the American midfielder said. Returning to World Cup qualifying 1,424 days after the infamous defeat in Trinidad ended a streak of seven appearances in soccer's showcase, the United States opened its attempt to reach the 2022 tournament with a 0-0 draw at El Salvador on Thursday night.

Forward Jozy Altidore and goalkeeper Brad Guzan are on a preliminary 59-man United States roster with a mostly junior varsity appearance for next month’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean.

United States' Sebastian Soto reacts at the end of a Concacaf Men's Olympic qualifying championship semi-final soccer match against Honduras in Guadalajara, Mexico, Sunday, March 28, 2021. Lalas maintains the burden to improve the Olympic effort lies with Kreis, senior national team coach Gregg Berhalter and U.S. men’s national team general manager Brian McBride. FIFA regulations say clubs don’t have to release players for Olympic qualifying or the Olympics. FIFA restricts Olympic qualifying to players 23 and under. AdNone of Honduras’ players on the roster for last week’s national team exhibition against Greece were Olympic age eligible.

United States' Giovanni Reyna instructs his teammates during the international friendly soccer match between Wales and USA at Liberty stadium in Swansea, Wales, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. Reyna and Musah became just the 12th and 13th Americans to make an appearance before turning 18. Reyna formed one of the Americans’ most mobile and dynamic midfields, combining with 21-year-old Tyler Adams of Leipzig and 22-year-old Weston McKennie of Juventus. Wales is getting ready for a Euros delayed a year by the coronavirus until next June. Robert Page coached Wales after Ryan Giggs temporarily withdrew following his arrest at his home in Manchester following a disturbance.

Manchester City's goalkeeper Zack Steffen warms up ahead of the English League Cup third round soccer match between Manchester City and Bournemouth at the City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester, England, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. “I’m really happy with where I’m at right now,” Steffen said Tuesday. 1 over 36-year-old Brad Guzan, 29-year-old Bill Hamid and 31-year-old Sean Johnson heading into the start of 2022 World Cup qualifying next September. Xabier Mancisidor is the goalkeeper coach after following Manuel Pellegrini from Real Madrid and staying on. Their goalie coach is really detailed and is very eager to make me a better goalkeeper,” Steffen said.

(Catherine Ivill/Pool via AP)LONDON Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang clinched a record-extending 14th FA Cup for Arsenal on Saturday, scoring twice in a 2-1 victory against Chelsea at an empty Wembley Stadium. It not only sealed Arsenal's fourth FA Cup in seven seasons but a place in the Europa League, having only finished eighth in the Premier League. There could not even be a trophy presentation as usual in the Royal Box due to social distancing after this 139th FA Cup final. Never before had the FA Cup final been staged without fans. The American emulated compatriot Carli Lloyd, who netted in the Women's FA Cup final in 2017 for Manchester City.

Obama on hiring Tim Howard: "I promise to think about it" In a July 4 address, President Obama thanks America's armed forces and recognizes the U.S. men's national soccer team, joking about a petition for him to make soccer player Tim Howard the next secretary of defense.

Tim Howard mania lights up American soccer Tim Howard's record-setting performance in the World Cup still has people buzzing. The Team USA goalie got to speak with President Obama and is now starring in a viral Internet meme. Jim Axelrod reports.

USA Goalie Tim Howard on tough loss to Belgium The U.S. Men's National Team lost 2-1 to Belgium in the World Cup Tuesday, but not without a stand-out performance from goalkeeper Tim Howard. He joins "CBS This Morning" from Brazil to talk about the game.

Team USA goalkeeper Tim Howard on World Cup advancement Tim Howard, the goalie for the World Cup's Team USA, talks to the "CBS This Morning" co-hosts about the team's success, preparing for their next game against Belgium and the American soccer frenzy.