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For the last seven months, Jurgen Klinsmann has implemented a goalkeeper platoon for the United States men's national team. Tim Howard and Brad Guzan have alternated starting matches, even during World Cup qualifiers. Heading into this summer's Copa America Centenario, the USA manager has decided to name Guzan the starting goalkeeper.
U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann names Brad Guzan the starting keeper for Copa America. #usmnt
— Doug McIntyre (@DougMacESPN) May 21, 2016
This shouldn't be much of a surprise considering Guzan was the starter previously while Howard was on leave from the national team. Guzan started the CONCACAF Cup match against Mexico in October before Howard finally re-entered the picture and the two have been dueling ever since.
Neither goalkeeper can lean on their club performances as evidence they should have been given the starting job. Guzan was benched multiple times while his club, Aston Villa, were the worst team in the Premier League and ultimately relegated. Howard fared no better as he lost his job in February after an injury and poor form. He sat on the bench for the whole second half of the season.
It appears that Guzan was chosen by default.