An injury to USA goalkeeper Tim Howard (pictured) is expected to sideline him through early 2017. (Photo: Edgar Quintana/Straffon Images)

COMMERCE CITY, Colorado -- Colorado Rapids announced Monday that United States international Tim Howard has been diagnosed with a fracture of the right adductor longus, located in the upper groin.

The 37-year-old goalkeeper will undergo surgery on Thursday and is expected to be sidelined for four months.

Howard suffered the injury in the first half of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifier against Mexico on November 11 in Columbus, Ohio.

In his first season with the club, after returning to MLS from England’s Everton in July, Howard appeared in 17 regular-season games and helped the Rapids advance to the MLS Cup playoffs Western Conference final against the Seattle Sounders this month.

Howard has captured CONCACAF Goalkeeper of the Year honors in 2013, 2014 and 2015, the only times it has been awarded.