When U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard joined Everton FC from Manchester United three years ago, he knew he was joining a club that had seen some legendary players, players like Neville Southall, regarded as one of the finest keepers in British soccer history, and 1966 England World Cup winners Ray Wilson and Alan Ball. But Howard says that he's still discovering how deep the club's lore stretches. "This is my fourth season at Everton, and as the years have gone on, I've been amazed at certain players who have played for Everton down the years, which I didn't know upon my arrival," Howard said. "And it blows me away how many legendary players did pull on the same shirt that I'm wearing. It's humbling. It's motivational. I really do love playing for Everton."

Howard and Everton bring some of this history to Wednesday's MLS All-Star game at Rio Tinto Stadium (9:30 pm ET; ESPN2, Galavision). Anchored by star players and driven forward with a workmanlike mentality, Everton FC has won the English league championship nine times in its history, fourth all-time behind Man. United (18), Liverpool (18) and Arsenal (13). The club's last title came in 1987. But while the club has endured some tumult over the past two decades, it has risen back toward the top of the Premier League table in recent years.

Under the guidance of 46-year-old David Moyes, widely regarded as one of the top managers in Europe, Everton has qualified for European competition in three of the past four years, despite lacking the financial resources of clubs like Manchester United or Chelsea. Under Moyes, who declared the Liverpool-club "the people's club" when he took the reigns in 2002, the club has carried on its tradition of gritty success. "The biggest thing about it is it's a working man's club," Howard said. "A lot of these (former) players come back and aren't there for the limelight, (but) they're there supporting the club like everyone else does. It's really special. It's a special part of the club."

 

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