Klinsmann: Guzan and Howard will split time as starter vs. Guatemala

United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann has once again stated his intention to implement a platoon at his starting goalkeeper position. Instead of committing to a permanent starter, he told reporters today that Brad Guzan and Tim Howard will both start one of the World Cup qualifiers against Guatemala during this international break.

In sit-down w/reporters Klinsmann said Tim Howard & Brad Guzan will platoon over next 2 games. Wouldn't say who will start Friday. #usmnt

— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) March 24, 2016

This shouldn't come as much of a surprise considering the two have been platooning ever since September when Tim Howard returned from a one-year hiatus. Guzan started the CONCACAF Cup match against Mexico that month, while Howard started the Costa Rica friendly a few days later. In that instance it was Guzan garnering the more difficult match. In the next set of matches two months later, Guzan started the easy home World Cup qualifier against St. Vincent & the Grenadines, while Howard was in net for the difficult away match vs. Trinidad & Tobago.

It's anyone's guess as to who will be net tomorrow night in the more difficult away match, but SI's Grant Wahl has the feeling it'll be the more senior Howard who gets the nod.

Nothing 100%, but getting a real sense that Tim Howard is starting in goal tomorrow vs Guatemala.

— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) March 24, 2016

Considering both keeper's form, you can't really fault Klinsmann for not picking a full-time starter. Deciding between both of them right now would be like trying to decide which method torture you'd prefer. Sure there are less painful options, but none of them will be pleasant.