Members of the media were welcome to talk to members of the U.S. Men’s National Team before their international friendly against Poland in Chicago. Luckily, International Soccer Network’s Robert Ivory was able to get a few quality minutes with USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard.
ISN: Is it weird we are already looking forward to the 2014 World Cup?
HOWARD: I think we have set a target for the Gold Cup being important for us this year. The competition does not interfere with any other competitions, as it has in previous years. We are going to bring our strongest team to the tournament. I was on the squad that won the competition in 2007 and it was such a memorable event for the coaching staff and myself. That is all part of the growth, without looking too far ahead.
ISN: There is word that Mexico and the United States may not play each other in the World Cup qualifiers. What are your thoughts?
HOWARD: I think it is important for us to play Mexico and I think that the rivalry is fiery and healthy. To take that rivalry away would be disappointing because there is so much good from that rivalry. There is very little that is wrong with it. I think both sides would be bitterly disappointed.
ISN: MLS has had a hard time gaining respect from other leagues around the world, especially in England, where you play. Is the MLS getting the respect they deserve overseas?
HOWARD: I think the MLS is getting so much respect because of the players we are importing and also because of the players that the league is exporting. Players in my generation have gone over to other places for substantial transfer fees and we have shown the quality of the MLS. I am a big fan of it, I like the way it is run, I like the teams that are involved, the stadiums that are in place, and I love the competition in the league. Even though I am not there now, I still enjoy watching it and I think it is fantastic.
ISN: What about the match against Poland on Saturday, do you think there is an advantage for the United States players from Europe all playing together?
HOWARD: I think we always enjoy coming together. It difficult in that we all come from different environments, long ways away, different agendas with our club teams. I think what is important about our consistency is that we can not be together for a month, but come back on day one and not have to start over from scratch. We know each other and we know what coaches expect from us and we can get on with our work.
ISN: Chicago has a big Polish population. Does that make this game a little bit more interesting playing on U.S. soil with another country’s support?
HOWARD: There will be a strong Polish crowd, I am sure. We are no strangers to playing at home with crowds not on our side all the time. Soldier Field is fantastic and Chicago as a community comes out and supports us. We are not worried about that. I think it is going to be a fantastic and electric atmosphere You cannot ask for anything more than that in an October friendly.
ISN: Last time you guys met, you won 3-0 in Krakow. Do you think Poland is looking to return the favor?
HOWARD: They are a very good team. We remember that night well because we played well. We understand that they will be coming here to get a result. However, we need to match that intensity and I think it will be a great test for us.
ISN: What does it say that Poland will face one of the toughest teams Saturday in preparation for Euro 2012 in Poland?
HOWARD: I think they need to. I think that it is important that they show that they are prepared at the Euros by getting good results and they do that against good teams.
