American Exports: Tim Howard, Everton see Champions League hopes suffer massive blow

Tim Howard with Everton

AMSTERDAM – Tim Howard fell victim to a pair of first-half own goals as Everton's Champions League hopes took a major blow with a 2-0 loss at Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

The US international rang up four saves and a pair of cross captures, with his best play coming on a late denial of James Ward-Prowse. However, Howard was cruelly beaten by a poor goalmouth header from Toffees defender Antonin Alcaraz in the game's opening minutes and then again by teammate Seamus Coleman just past the half hour.

Having now dropped two of three, Everton remain a point behind Sunday players Arsenal for England's final Champions league slot.