Howard shines as Rapids blank Red Bulls

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:20 am

Tim Howard made a triumphant return to New Jersey with three saves, Jonathan Lewis scored twice and the visiting Colorado Rapids beat the host New York Red Bulls 2-0 on Saturday night.

Howard began his career with the Red Bulls when they were known as the MetroStars. He was there from 1998 to 2003 before heading to England and then signed with Colorado. With a little over a month before he retires, the New Jersey native produced his fourth shutout of the season and 37th of his MLS career.

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In the 31st minute, Howard saved Danny Royer's right-footed shot from a difficult angle by making the stop in the bottom left corner of the net. In the 76th minute, Howard stopped a left-footed shot by Alejandro Romero Gamarra by making the stop in the top left corner. He made his final stop by denying Royer's header in stoppage time.

Howard's return to New Jersey for the final time as a pro gave Colorado a win in Robin Fraser's coaching debut. He also played the latter part of the second half while appearing to favor his left leg.

Lewis helped the Rapids (8-14-6, 30 points) halt a three-game winless skid and improve to 3-5-2 in their last 10 games.

Lewis scored his fourth and fifth goals since being acquired from New York City FC in May for a draft pick. He recorded his first career multi-goal game and helped Colorado win a road game over New York for the first time since 2009 when they played the game in the Meadowlands.

Tim Howard made a triumphant return to New Jersey with three saves as the visiting Colorado Rapids beat the host New York Red Bulls 2-0 on Saturday.
Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports

The Red Bulls (12-12-5, 41 points) fell to 1-3-1 in their last five games and by the end of the game chants from fans calling for coach Chris Armas were heard from some fans. By the end of the game, they were booed off the field.

Lewis scored both goals after the Red Bulls missed glorious chances to score.

He scored in the 14th minute on a brilliant counterattack after Bradley Wright-Phillips hit the post on the other end. In the 87th minute, Lewis struck again after the Red Bulls committed a turnover off a scramble and a few minutes after Tim Parker's shot from the center of the box sailed wide.