When discussing the greatest goalkeepers in English football history, Peter Schmeichel's name is never far from the top.
Middlesbrough goalkeeper Victor Valdes has told the club’s official website that Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel is his all-time Premier League idol.
The Great Dane won five domestic titles during a legendary eight year spell at Old Trafford, while his stunning reflex save to deny Newcastle United’s Les Ferdinand in 1997 was voted the greatest save in the competitions first decade in the illustrious Premier League 10 Seasons awards (below).
Consequently, he appeared irreplaceable after departing for Sporting Lisbon in 1999 season, with Mark Bosnich, Fabien Barthez and Tim Howard all failing to fill the huge, Schmeichel-shaped void in United’s goal before Edwin Van Der Sar arrived to begin his own legacy.
And Valdes, who endured a comparatively miserable stint at Old Trafford under Louis Van Gaal, has named the 1992 European Champion as his all-time favourite.
“I was always watching Peter Schmeichel,” the former Barcelona shot-stopper told the club’s official website. “Because he was always making very spectacular and amazing saves.”
Valdes also insisted that the three main attributes needed to become a successful goalkeeper are character, power and calmness.
While Schmeichel possessed the first two by the bucketload, his deafened defenders may have something to say about the latter.
Rapids goaltender, Tim Howard, met with a large group of Colorado youth soccer players at a Dick's Sporting Goods in Lakewood on Thursday evening.
The veteran goaltender answered questions from Rapids announcer Richard Fleming before going to the young crowd for questions.
The wide-eyed youth players asked Howard questions from what has been his favorite team to play on (Manchester United, Everton, Rapids, or Team USA) to how he keeps going when he's down and the game isn't going his way.
Howard, fresh on the Colorado soccer scene, is setting out to be a role-model for the future generation of soccer stars.
The soccer star then took the time to give autographs for his abundance of young fans.
Tim Howard is back in MLS, making his debut for the Colorado Rapids Monday night to mark his official return after spending more than a decade abroad in the Premier League.
Howard did his part in what ended as a scoreless draw for the Rapids against the Portland Timbers, making two saves for Colorado.
Howard, now 37, left MLS and the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls) in 2003 for Manchester United. He then embarked on 10 years with Everton, where he became etched in the club's fabric. After an emotional farewell to the club, in which he earned a clean sheet in his final start at Goodison Park, he joined the U.S. for Copa America Centenario, where he backed up Brad Guzan save for the third-place match against Colombia.
He's the highest-paid goalkeeper in MLS by far, making $2,575,000 in guaranteed compensation, according to the most recent MLS Players Union documents, and he'll be looked upon to maintain his high standard of play for the Rapids, who sat atop the MLS Western Conference standings with 32 points through 16 games entering Monday.
The Blues currently sit 11th in the table after another disappointing campaign.
EvertongoalkeeperTim Howardhas assured the club’s fans that they will be working to fix their problems this season, in comments toSky Sports.
The Blues have endured a disappointing season this year, as they sit 11th in the Premier League table and unlikely to finish in the top half of the table.
The criticism has largely been aimed at manager Roberto Martinez, who many believe should be replaced at Goodison Park.
While he must take some of the blame, the players must also take responsibility, as some have not performed to the best of their abilities.
Saturday afternoon saw them return to winning form against Bournemouth and Howard says they are working hard to ensure they get it right in the games remaining.
"One thing I can assure everyone is we are going to work and we try our tails off to win football matches, no-one chucks it in,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think as senior players you try to protect the younger ones because they've not seen it before but I'm an old dog and I've seen it all before.”
"No criticism fazes me; not from the media, outside sources or social media. It is just words. We have to go to work every day and try to get it right.”
Even if Everton do enjoy a winning end to what has been a disappointing campaign, the pressure is likely to remain on Roberto Martinez.
After a strong first season in charge, the last two years have been far from impressive and worryingly, several of the clubs’ stars do not seem to be progressing.
That is the view that the Everton faithful are taking, and they are likely to keep calling for change in future.
Your top picks for entertainment, restaurant openings, stage and more in Denver and Aurora this week.
AROUND TOWN
Grand Opening of Illegal Pete’s on Colfax Activities start at 7 a.m. May 13. Illegal Pete’s 2001 E. Colfax Ave., Denver. Start times for different event vary throughout the weekend. Check the Illegal Pete’s Facebook page for more information.
Just because it’s Friday the 13th doesn’t mean that life has to be surrounded by rain clouds and frowns. It’s still a Friday. Celebrate the latest installment of that peculiarly voodoo-ridden day this Friday with free beer, bodacious burritos and stiff margaritas at the newest outpost of Illegal Pete’s on East Colfax Avenue. The latest hipster institution to invade Denver’s nefarious artery, Pete’s will be slinging breakfast starting at 7 a.m. May 13, followed by discounted drinks and Happy Hour starting at 3 p.m. The following day, May 14, the festivities will continue with beer provided by New Belgium Brewing Company. A $10 donation to Denver Food Rescue at the door gets you no-cost New Belgium suds until the pourers run out. Mile High Soul Club will begin spinning vinyl on-site at 6 p.m.
Intro to Digital Photography Class 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 19, The Collection Gallery, 9801 E. Colfax Ave. The class runs for four weeks, Thursdays through June 9. The entire series is $50, single class drop-ins are $15. Register at thecollectiongallery.webs.com.
The second installment in an ongoing series catered to the deaf community, the team at The Collection Gallery on East Colfax Avenue is hosting digital photography classes for the next four weeks. Taught by local photographer Kat Mills, classes will cover lighting techniques, photo editing and technical overviews on printing and exposure. Classes will be taught in both American Sign Language and English.
ONSTAGE
Catch Me If You Can7:30 p.m. May 13 & 14; 2 p.m. May 15 at The Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora. For more information, call 303-739-1970 or visit www.aurorafoxartscenter.org.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Leonardo DiCaprio finally shed the primary label of “International Playboy” by finally winning an Oscar earlier this year. And not a moment too soon. His portrayal of Frank Abagnale, Jr., in Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me If You Can” helped launch the musical of the same name, taking a much livelier approach to the tale of the serial chameleon, posing under any number of identities while on the run from the authorities. Directed and choreographed by Piper Lindsay Arpan, starring Tim Howard as Frank Jr. and Keegan Flaugh as Carl Hanratty. As we previously reviewed, the show is a mathematical anomaly, defying the maxim that the sum must equal the total of all the parts. The musical boasts a killer story, some of the best musical writers in the business and a famous movie as a kickstarter, and the Fox has once again accumulated astounding talent and an eye-popping set. Don’t miss this real life blockbuster before it leaves The Fox for good May 15.
November 7:30 p.m. May 12, 13 & 14; 6:30 p.m. May 15. The Avenue Theater, 417 E. 17th Ave., Denver. Tickets are $27.50. For more information, call 303-321-5925 or visit avenuetheater.com. The show runs through May 21.
The journey to find decent political theater these days is a short one. A simple jaunt to The Internet, a newspaper, or just about any damn public space in this 3,000-mile-wide swath of varied land yields some take on the latest stunts pulled by the hot dogs currently running for the nation’s top post. And most of it is absurdism. For a slightly more comical and less consequential dose of political satire, the Avenue Theater is serving up “November,” the raucous farce penned by David Mamet. The show follows the beleaguered quest of President Charles Smith as he foolishly attempts to win a second term. A lot of goofy antics — not far removed from Politico headlines — ensue. John Ashton directs.
“The Boys Next Door” Curtains at 7:30 p.m. May 13-14, 2 p.m. May 15, at The John Hand Theater, 7653 E. First Pl., Denver. Tickets are $22. 303-562-3232 or www.firehousetheatercompany.com.
Once able to lay claim to the title of “most-produced play in America,” Tom Griffin’s classic is storming back into the metro this summer. The show follows the toils and tribulations of four disabled men who are supervised by jaded social worker Jack. Set in urban New England, the heady production is a reminder that humans are humans, no matter their capacity. Andrew Uhlenhopp, Greg West, Luke Terry and Joe Von Bokern star as the featured foursome, and Peter Marullo assumes the role of Jack,
With a new Major League Soccer season finally underway, we mark the return of the U.S. national team Hot List, which will become a weekly feature in this space right up until Jurgen Klinsmann names his squad for this summer's Copa America Centenario in May.
While that high-profile tournament looms on the horizon, there are more pressing matters at hand (foot?) for the Americans. After a four-month break, the U.S. resumes its qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup in Russia later this month with an important home-and-home series against Guatemala.
A number of players have put themselves in position to merit strong consideration for minutes in those games alongside lineup shoo-ins like Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley and Fabian Johnson, based on strong recent club performances. Others are struggling in their day jobs, which is significantly reducing their chances of seeing the field. With less than two weeks to go before Klinsmann picks his next roster, here's a look at whose stock is rising and falling right now.
Warming up
Matt Besler, D, Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Why he's here: The 2014 World Cup starter helped Sporting KC keep a clean sheet on the road in Sunday's 1-0 win over the 10-man Seattle Sounders.
What this means: Fellow left center back John Brooks remains ahead of Besler in the eyes of Klinsmann, who has suggested that with MLS players yet to hit full stride, he'll go with a Euro-heavy lineup in Guatemala City. Still, Besler has crucial experience playing in away CONCACAF qualifiers, while Brooks, despite his Bundesliga pedigree, does not. That should not be overlooked by the coach.
Geoff Cameron, D/M, Stoke City (England)
Why he's here: After missing almost two months with an ankle injury, the 30-year-old returned to Stoke's lineup on Feb. 27 and has gone the distance in the Potters' past three games -- twice in central defense and once at right-back.
What this means: Cameron's timing couldn't be better from a national team perspective. Where exactly he'll play isn't clear, but expect the Massachusetts native to reclaim the starting U.S. job he won at the end of 2015 later this month against Guatemala.
Brad Guzan, G, Aston Villa (England)
Why he's here: Guzan lost his starting job for relegation-bound Villa in early January but now appears to have won it back, playing in the last-place Premier League side's two most recent games.
What this means: With Tim Howard riding the bench at Everton (more on Howard below), Guzan will have the inside track for the U.S. job when World Cup qualifying resumes, if he keeps getting games at club level.
Omar Gonzalez, D, Pachuca (Mexico)
Why he's here: The big Texan has played all but 22 minutes of the nine games he's appeared in since transferring from the LA Galaxy in late December, helping the Tuzos concede just nine goals -- the fewest in Liga MX this season.
What this means: Gonzalez's instant success south of the border has not gone unnoticed by Klinsmann, who could use the 27-year-old in central defense if he opts to deploy Cameron at right back or defensive midfielder against the Guatemalans.
Bobby Wood, F, Union Berlin (Germany)
Why he's here: With seven goals in his past six 2.Bundesliga matches -- including two against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday -- no U.S. striker is hotter right now than Wood.
What this means: The 23-year-old Hawaiian could trade his super-sub role for a starting job against Guatemala if Jozy Altidore's hamstring hasn't recovered in time.
Bobby Wood continues to impress in Germany with 12 goals this season at Union Berlin.
DeAndre Yedlin, D/M, Sunderland (England)
Why he's here: The 22-year-old Seattle native has started Sunderland's past four Premier League games at right-back, helping the Black Cats go 1-1-2 and climb out of the relegation zone during that span.
What this means: The trust that manager Sam Allardyce has shown in the Tottenham loanee has been rewarded, as Yedlin's sometimes suspect defensive game has improved substantially in recent weeks. Will it be enough to convince Klinsmann to play the speedster on the back line rather than the wing later this month? Maybe.
Cooling down
Jozy Altidore, F, Toronto FC (MLS)
Why he's here: Despite dropping weight and changing his training routine in an effort to avoid the hamstring injuries that have, uh, hamstrung him at three of the Americans' past four major international tournaments, the 26-year-old missed TFC 's season opener with a recurrence of the ailment.
What this means: While Altidore -- who scored in the national team's first two games of 2016 -- is expected to return to the Reds' lineup before the Americans' two qualifiers, the layoff is sure to cost him crucial match fitness ahead of the qualifiers.
Tim Howard, G, Everton (England)
Why he's here: After a decade as the Toffees' undisputed No. 1, Howard, who turned 37 on Sunday, lost his starting job to Spaniard Joel Robles last month.
What this means: Klinsmann had planned to rotate his keepers heading into this summer's Copa America Centenario, but it's hard to see Howard getting the nod for this month's games ahead of Guzan if the latter keeps on playing in the Premier League.
Colorado Rapids target Tim Howard has been demoted to backup goalkeeper at Everton.
Jermaine Jones, M, Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Why he's here: Jones signed with the Rapids last week, officially beginning the six-game suspension that will rule him out of both March qualifiers.
What this means: While he won't be available for the U.S. this month, the 34-year-old German-American remains one of Klinsmann's most trusted veterans. As long as Jones can stay healthy and keep his hands off referees, he'll be on the Copa squad (and likely on the field).
Christian Pulisic, M, Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Why he's here: The 17-year-old captured the imagination of American fans when he appeared in four consecutive Bundesliga games (one start) in January and February. But Klinsmann is wisely preaching patience with the youngster, who has since been returned to the German power's under-19 squad.
What this means: Pulisic remains the brightest talent in the American youth ranks, but there's no need to rush him into the senior team right now. However, Pulisic could well be with the U.S. U-23s for their two-leg Olympic playoff against Colombia later this month if coach Andi Herzog receives Dortmund's blessing.
Tim Ream, D, Fulham (England)
Why he's here: The former New York Red Bull's run of 20 consecutive starts for Fulham ended in January. Since then, Ream has appeared in the Cottagers' lineup just once.
What this means: Ream started the Americans' final two matches of 2015 at left back, but it's hard to see him reprising that role this month given his lack of recent playing time. Look for Johnson to get the nod there instead.
Everton and U.S. men's national team goalkeeper Tim Howard are nearing a deal with the Colorado Rapids, per Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC.
Despite his recent struggles in the Premier League, Howard would instantly become one of MLS' top shot-stoppers. However, this is still a curious move by the Rapids.
Colorado finished last in Major League Soccer's Western Conference in 2015, although the Rapids defense was formidable. They conceded 43 goals, which was less than Sporting Kansas City and the LA Galaxy, who both made the playoffs.
This still did not stop the Rapids from trading goalkeeper Clint Irwin toToronto FC. Defender Drew Moor also joined TFC via free agency. Both players were defensive pillars for the past few seasons.
Those two departures weren't even Colorado's strangest decisions. Homegrown defender Shane O'Neill was sold last August.
Deshorn Brown, who led the Rapids in goalscoring in 2013 and 2014, transferred to Norwegian club Valerenga in March 2015. He scored 20 goals over those two seasons. The Rapids finished the 2015 campaign with 33.
The likes of Kevin Doyle and Luis Solignac arrived last summer to provide a scoring boost, but it wasn't enough.
The Rapids were a playoff team under ex-head coach Oscar Pareja in 2013. They were a young and exciting side with a real future. Nearly three years later, there is no identity and Dick's Sporting Goods Park is virtually empty.
Colorado's average attendance was the lowest in MLS last season, per Paul Kennedy of Soccer America. The number increased from 2014, but it still wasn't sufficient enough to surpass the Chicago Fire.
This is why the Rapids are trying to sign a marquee player.
Colorado was reportedly interested in United States international Alejandro Bedoya and Mexican forward Alan Pulido, according to Goal.com's Ives Galarcep.
However, Bedoya rejected a return to MLS, and Pulido ruled out a transfer to the U.S., per Mexico-based radio station RG 690 (via Mexican soccer journalist Eric Gomez):
Bedoya and Pulido would have been perfect signings for a dull and listless Colorado attack. The Rapids have since acquired Marco Pappa, Zach Pfeffer and Shkelzen Gashi, which should stimulate the offense.
However, the Rapids are still scrambling to sign a big-name star to attract fans to the stadium.
According to Carlisle, Howard will be paid $2 million a year, which would make him one of the 15 highest-paid MLS players. Colorado also has to pay Everton a fee between $600,000 and $750,000.
Considering the Rapids had Irwin, who is a more-than-capable goalkeeper, this just makes the Howard chase all the more peculiar.
The investment may pay off for the Rapids if this fills the stadium. However, if the team continues to struggle on the field, the fans will likely not show up.
This is not a slight on Howard. His relationship with Everton is waning, and his agility is lacking these days, but the American is still a quality goalkeeper who would excel in MLS.
The main issue is the Rapids addressing a problem they did not have, even after they traded Irwin.
Zac MacMath is a solid young goalkeeper who is a formidable starter. The 24-year-old faced as many shots (125) as Irwin in 2014 and made more saves (77) in 2014, per the official MLS website.
Colorado traded Marcelo Sarvas to D.C. United, even though the Rapids desperately need a quality deep-lying midfielder.
Pappa, Pfeffer, Dillon Serna and Dillon Powers are all attack-minded players. Meanwhile, the likes of Jared Watts and Sam Cronin pale in comparison to Sarvas. This is where Colorado should spend the money, not on a 36-year-old goalkeeper.
Winning is the ultimate formula to fan popularity. The only way of ensuring a successful product on the field is by addressing the team's weaknesses. Goalkeeper is not one of them.
Catch Me If You Can 7:30 p.m. May 13 & 14; 2 p.m. May 15 at The Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora. For more information, call 303-739-1970 or visit www.aurorafoxartscenter.org.
“The Boys Next Door” Curtains at 7:30 p.m. May 13-14, 2 p.m. May 15, at The John Hand Theater, 7653 E. First Pl., Denver. Tickets are $22. 303-562-3232 or www.firehousetheatercompany.com.
