Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard gestures to fans a he leaves the pitch after facing the Portland Timbers in the second half of an MLS soccer match Monday, July 4, 2016, in Commerce City, Colo. The teams played to a 0-0 tie. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Associated Press
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) - Tim Howard made two saves in his Colorado debut and the Rapids played to a scoreless draw with the Portland Timbers on Monday night.
Howard dove to his right to stop Darren Mattocks' right-footed shot in the 54th minute and made a kick save to deny Lucas Melano in the 63rd.
Colorado (9-2-6) dropped out of first place in the Western Conference as FC Dallas earned three points in a 4-0 victory over Orlando City on Monday night.
Portland (6-6-6) goalkeeper Jake Gleeson had four saves for his second shutout of the season.
Howard, who played for the MetroStars (now the New York Red Bulls) between 1998 and 2003, returned to MLS after 13 years in the Premier League with Manchester United and Everton. Colorado acquired Howard through allocation after the Rapids secured the No. 1 spot in the ranking order.
Colorado Rapids midfielder Jermaine Jones, left, battles for control of the ball with Portland Timbers midfielder Ben Zemanski in the second half of an MLS soccer match Monday, July 4, 2016, in Commerce City, Colo. The teams played to a 0-0 tie. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Associated Press
Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard, front, clears the ball as Portland Timbers forward Darren Mattocks defends in the first half of an MLS soccer match Monday, July 4, 2016, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Associated Press
Portland Timbers forward Fanendo Adi, front, hooks a shot past Colorado Rapids defender Axel Sjoberg in the first half of an MLS soccer match Monday, July 4, 2016, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Associated Press
Portland Timbers defender Alvas Powell, left, fights for control of the ball with Colorado Rapids midfielder Shkelzen Gashi in the second half of a Major League Soccer match Monday, July 4, 2016, in Commerce City, Colo. The teams played to a 0-0 tie. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Associated Press
Portland Timbers defender Alvas Powell, right, drives with the ball past Colorado Rapids defender Mekeil Williams in the first half of an MLS soccer match Monday, July 4, 2016, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Associated Press
Colorado Rapids midfielder Jared Watts, right, kicks the ball past Portland Timbers forward Fanendo Adi in the first half of an MLS soccer match Monday, July 4, 2016, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Associated Press