Goalkeeper Tim Howard to take temporary break from U.S. Soccer Men's National Team

The last time an American soccer star decided to take a break from the game, he was left off the U.S. World Cup Team by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

That decision to cut Landon Donovan and instead add younger players arguably hurt the U.S. Team in Brazil when striker Jozy Altidore was injured early in the tournament.

Now that the team's best World Cup performer, three-time FIFA World Cup veteran Tim Howard, has asked to take a break from duties with the U.S. Men's National Team for one year until next fall, the question looms: Will Howard get the "Donovan" treatment and be left off the U.S. roster in the future?

Howard is not retiring from international play. The decision is driven mainly by the desire to spend more time with his family.

"Having played overseas for the last 12 years and missing out on spending time with my family, making this commitment to my family is very important at this time," said Howard. "I am grateful for the willingness of both Jurgen Klinsmann and Everton manager Roberto Martinez to afford me the opportunity to spend time with my kids. It's the right decision at the right time. Jurgen has always been up front with all the players in saying you have to earn your place, which is something I agree with, so I look forward to coming back next fall and competing for a spot."

Klinsmann and Howard had extensive conversations prior to the decision, and the U.S. coach is supportive of the approach.  For now, we only know that the Everton goalkeeper will not be considered for selection to the U.S. roster until September of 2015.

"We had a very good and productive conversation," said Klinsmann. "I totally understand Tim's situation. He was very straight forward and honest in his approach, and I admire him for that. He has a wish to take a step back to take care of his family, and we came to the conclusion that it's absolutely fine that he takes time off from international soccer until after next summer's Gold Cup, and then we reevaluate. I told him as long as he is the same Tim Howard that we always see performing well, he will be welcome back with open arms and right back competing for a spot. He knows that he has to prove that he deserves to be back."

Howard will miss as many as eight friendly matches, as well as the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, giving Klinsmann the chance to see other goalkeepers in action. He will continue in his starting role for Everton of the English Premier League, which is now in the second week of the 2014-15 season that runs through May.

In Brazil this past summer, he twice earned Man of the Match honors, including the 2-2 draw against Portugal and the Round of 16 game against Belgium in which he posted a World Cup-record 15 saves.

Howard has amassed 104 caps and is the USA's all-time leader for goalkeepers in appearances and wins (55). The 35-year-old has played every minute for the United States in the last two FIFA World Cups.

"This gives us a huge opportunity to see Brad Guzan and Nick Rimando going forward and fighting for the No. 1 spot," said Klinsmann. "We have young talented goalkeepers with Sean Johnson and Bill Hamid, who have been brought along the last couple years, so this may give them a chance here and there to get some game time. Always when somebody steps aside for a moment, it gives an opportunity for the next ones in line."

The U.S. Men's National Team will travel to face the Czech Republic on Sept. 3 in Prague, marking the first match for the United States following the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The match will be broadcast live on the NBC Sports Network and UniMas.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services