U.S. keeper Howard to take year off from international duty (Reuters)

(Reuters) - U.S national team goalkeeper Tim Howard says he will take a year off from international duty in order to spend more time with his family. Howard, who will continue to play in England's Premier League with Everton, has been capped 104 times by the U.S. Soccer Federation on Thursday, Howard, 35, said he had told U.S. Jurgen has always been up front with all the players in saying you have to earn your place, which is something I agree with, so I look forward to coming back next fall and competing for a spot." Howard's absence will open the way for Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan to become first choice keeper while Real Salt Lake's Nick Rimando, who was the third keeper at the World Cup in Brazil, could also get chances to start.