American Exports: Tim Howard backstops Everton to comeback draw vs. Liverpool in Merseyside derby

Tim Howard grimaces

AMSTERDAM – Everton netminder Tim Howard was back to his best on Saturday afternoon, notching seven saves to keep the visitors in the game until a last-minute Phil Jagielka strike could rescue a 1-1 Premier League share away to arch nemesis Liverpool.

The World Cup 2014 standout was busy early and often, with the high larceny on an 11th minute Adam Lallana header among five first half stops. Shortly after Steven Gerrard's free kick scraped the fingers of Howard on its way into the net on 65 minutes, the American somehow managed to push a close range Mario Balotelli volley onto the bar using his face.

Howard also rang up three cross claims to minimize damage before Jagielka's rocket from distance leveled matters near time. The result gave 12th place Everton four draws from the last five Merseyside derbies.