OBETZ, Ohio — The United States' new president had plenty to say about relations with Mexico during the campaign, but United States goalkeeper Tim Howard says Donald Trump's election has little to do with the U.S.-Mexico soccer match Friday.
"All the political stuff, it’s nothing. I’m not going to answer those questions, I’m not going to get drawn in," Howard said. "It’s politics and this is football. Mexico is going to try to kick our asses and we’re going to try and kick theirs. It’s got nothing to do with politics."
Howard said that he got a good night of sleep and learned of the election results this morning, but other players like Michael Bradley said they stayed up to watch the returns.
"I went to bed. They count the votes and they told me who’s president in the morning," Howard said. "I wouldn’t have voted for Trump if I voted, but there he is. Not much else to say, really.
"Some guys are more into politics than others. I’m not."
Rather than the election, the goalkeeper says his focus is fixed solely on the World Cup qualification match Friday, then the Americans' trip to Costa Rica as the U.S. opens qualifications against two of the best teams in CONCACAF.
"This is a big game. This is the start of the Hex for both teams. Traditionally, we've both gone to the World Cup, and we're going to make sure that we do everything we can to put our best foot forward," he said. "These are two very tough games we have coming up. Mexico stands in our way, as they always do. We're going to try to handle that."
