Goalkeeper Brad Guzan will miss the United States' World Cup qualifiers against Honduras and Panama while awaiting the birth of his child.
Colorado's Tim Howard, the Americans' No. 1 goalkeeper at the last two World Cups, becomes the likely starter for the matches at San Jose, California, on March 24 and at Panama four days later.
The 38-year-old returned last weekend from surgery after he tore a leg muscle in the 2-1 qualifying loss to Mexico last November.
The U.S. Soccer Federation said Guzan and wife Breanne are expecting the birth of their second child.
Guzan has mostly been on the bench for Middlesbrough this season and is transferring to Atlanta in July.
Real Salt Lake's Nick Rimando also is on the U.S. roster, and San Jose's David Bingham replaced Guzan.
