Tim Howard out of U.S. qualifier at Costa Rica

Goalkeeper Tim Howard did not travel with the United States for Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier at Costa Rica after injuring the adductor muscle in his right leg.

Howard was hurt while making a goal kick in the first half of Friday’s 2-1 loss to Mexico at Columbus, Ohio, and was replaced by Brad Guzan in the 40th minute.

The U.S. Soccer Federation said Sunday that Howard returned to Colorado, where he is in his first season with Major League Soccer’s Rapids, for further evaluation and treatment.

Only the group winners advance directly to Russia, with the second-place teams going to a playoff.