Tim Howard Injury: USMNT Keeper Injures Groin in 2018 World Cup Qualifier

United States men's soccer goalkeeper Tim Howard suffered a right groin strain during the first half of Friday night's World Cup qualifier against Mexico, according to ESPNFC.com.  

He was replaced by Brad Guzan in the 40th minute with the United States trailing 1-0, via U.S. Soccer. 

Howard appeared to have suffered the injury after taking a goal kick. Shortly after sending the ball downfield, Howard hit the ground and received medical attention. 

He managed to stay in the game just for a few minutes before being subbed out for Guzan. 

The 37-year-old had made a brilliant fingertip save earlier in the match on a curling shot from Tecatito Corona in which he forced the ball off the post and out, via Fox Soccer:

He also allowed the game's opening goal to Miguel Layun, whose low shot made its way through traffic and just through the keeper. 

Howard had appeared in three previous games for the United States, as the team has gone with Guzan for most of the year. However, the veteran had allowed just one goal before Friday night. 

One of the greatest keepers in United States history, Howard was the starter in each of the previous two World Cups in 2010 and 2014. 

During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Howard set a tournament record in the round of 16 against Belgium in which he made 16 saves. 

But in the twilight of his career, injuries will only make it more difficult for the keeper to gain further international caps.