Source: Tim Howard to become Memphis 901 FC general manager

Jason Munz | Memphis Commercial Appeal

Show Caption Hide Caption 901 FC coach Tim Mulqueen explains how Marcus Epps has aided the team's winning streak. 901 FC coach Tim Mulqueen explains why it felt "like Christmas" to get midfielder Marcus Epps on loan from the New York Red Bulls.

Tim Howard, goalkeeper on three U.S. World Cup teams, is expected to be named general manager of Memphis 901 FC, according to a source familiar with the situation.

An official announcement will not be made until after Dec. 31 because Howard is still under contract with Major League Soccer. Howard, who began his professional career in 1998 and owns the record for most saves in a World Cup game (16), retired in October after his fourth season with the Colorado Rapids.

The Germantown resident, 40, is already a minority owner of the club, whose principal owner is Peter Freund. Craig Unger is the USL Championship club's owner and president.

Memphis 901 FC finished its inaugural season in October with a 9-18-7 record.

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Howard and 901 FC coach Tim Mulqueen, both natives of New Jersey, have a lengthy history together. Mulqueen crossed paths with Howard during a one-off camp session when Howard was a budding 12-year-old prospect.

When Mulqueen was introduced as 901 FC coach in 2018, he said it was Howard's association with the club that convinced him to take the job.

“When Tim became involved with the Memphis club, I hadn’t seen him this excited about an opportunity in a long time. And it got me excited,” Mulqueen said. “So we started talking soccer, but he’d always bring it back to Memphis and Memphis and Memphis. That’s what really sold me on wanting to be here.”

Memphis 901 FC recently announced nine players from the inaugural roster will be welcomed back for the 2020 season. Those players are leading goal-scorer Brandon Allen, defenders Marc Burch, Liam Doyle and Triston Hodge, midfielders Dan Metzger, Pierre Da Silva, Raul Gonzalez and Leston Paul and forward Duane Muckette.