CARSON, Calif. – Nick Rimando's most valuable role during the US national team's January camp, and during this new four-year World Cup cycle, might be as mentor to the young goalkeepers climbing the ranks.
But make no mistake, the Real Salt Lake 'keeper’s primary goal is to be in the nets whenever the Yanks take the field.
Rimando, 35, is in his seventh January camp, and he could get the call in Wednesday's game against Chile (6 pm ET; Fox Sports 1) in Rancagua or in a Feb. 8 friendly against Panama at StubHub Center. And, with World Cup starter Tim Howard on an extended break from the national team, Rimando is looking ahead to this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup, the World Cup qualifying campaign that begins in November, and the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
“No one's told me I'm not going to play a role in [the next four years] yet,” Rimando said before the US departed Southern California for Chile over the weekend. “I'm here, obviously, to play for the US men's national team, but I also know my role is to be a leader and guide these guys in the right direction. I'm not hanging my cleats up or my gloves up yet, and I'm looking forward to competing day in and day out for that starting job.”
In the short term, that competition lies with Aston Villa ‘keeper Brad Guzan.
“If Brad [Guzan]'s there, I'm making him as good a goalkeeper as I can, and I'm right on his heels,” Rimando added. “If I'm the man, I'm sure Brad will do the same thing. At the same time, we do have young goalkeepers that are good, so compete with them but show them the ropes.”
Rimando has been working with Chicago's Sean Johnson, Sporting Kansas City's Jon Kempin and Toronto FC draftee Alex Bono in Southern California.
“With Nick, you have somebody that doesn't only have the experience, he has the natural character-role of being a helper, being there for others, asking how they're doing and where he can be of help. He's a giver,” US head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. “It's similar to [Rimando's RSL teammate] Kyle Beckerman – they're just these natural givers who keep your environment positive, keep that energy going, keep the chemistry be on top of it, and it's just a pleasure to work with a guy like Nick.
“On top of it, he's absolutely the No. 1 in this country as a goalkeeper.”
Rimando likes the role.
“When you play 15-plus years, you're going to be the old guy here and there, but it comes easy for me,” said Rimando, who has been in MLS since 2000 and debuted with the national team in 2002. “I was that young guy once, and I had some great mentors and people I look up to. To be that guy that young ‘keepers can trust and look upon and seek advice from feels good because I had that growing up as well.”
