An Emotional Tim Howard Leaves Everton to Chants of USA! USA!

Today marked U.S. national goal keeper Tim Howard's last hurrah with Everton—with whom he has been since 2006—and it was an emotion-laden day to say the least. But one of the stranger yet poignant moments was watching a full stadium in Liverpool chant out "USA! USA!" while they stretched the stars and bars across the pitch and waved old glory in the sky.

Here's a closer listen to the crowd vibes:

Before the game, Tim Howard released a heartfelt statement, outlining his love for the club and his connection to it from the beginning:

EVERTON, you have become a part of my soul. You'll forever be in my heart. COYB!!! Your #24, Tim Howard pic.twitter.com/THEWMlQZxs
— tim howard (@TimHowardGK) May 15, 2016

His post-game speech reflected a similar sentiment:

pic.twitter.com/UKGfQGseuo
— Everton (@Everton) May 15, 2016

Howard also received emotional cheers from the crowd by saying "this will always be my home" and a good laugh from the line, "I think you got me on the cheap." A class act, all around.

After Howard first announced his move to the Colorado Rapids on March 20, he started a press conference on a sorrowful note, saying "this is an exciting day, but also a sad day." Usually these kinds of announcements avoid the bad sentiment and stick with the optimism, but his connection to the team is obviously a strong one. And today he repaid Toffee fans' support with a clean sheet with a 3-0 win over Norwich City.

The fans showed their love in the post-game ceremonies with a non-ironic chant of "USA! USA!" and miniature American flags. It was at once an act of sweet appreciation of where Howard came from, and yet a stark reminder of how tough it is for Americans to get a nod from the world's top leagues. That his nationality, and therefore his adverse (and oft-maligned) soccer origins, were always held in the back of their minds.

Nevertheless, Tim Howard was loved, and he loved back. It was a tremendous, decade-long run with the Toffees. And I'm sure he'll receive a free pint or two the next time he visits Liverpool. As they say in Goodison Park, "Tim Timiny, Tim Timiny, Tim, Tim Terr-oo. We've got Tim Howard and he says 'fuck you!"