Everton's Tim Howard made sporting history in bizarre fashion Wednesday when he became the first goalie in English Premier League history to score from his own penalty area.
The American gave his team a 1-0 lead over Bolton in the 63rd minute with a soaring clearance from his own box, sending the crowd of nearly 30,000 into a frenzy at Goodison Park.
The ball was carried by a strong wind to within about 30 yards of the net, then took a freak bounce and sailed over Howard's hapless Bolton counterpart, Adam Bogdan, who had come off his line anticipating a harmless long goalkick.
Howard was subdued as his teammates rushed to him in jubilation. The 32-year-old keeper said after the match he did not celebrate out of respect for Bogdan.
"I spoke to him just then and I let him know that I was feeling for him," Howard told Sky Sports. "It's not a nice place to be. I've been there before, a long, long time ago and that was why I didn't celebrate.
"I was delighted that we were in the lead and would hopefully go on to get three points, but it's not a nice feeling for a keeper, it's really awful actually."
Howard joined Peter Schmeichel, Paul Robinson and fellow American Brad Friedel as the only netminders to score an English Premier League goal, although those three netted inside the opponent's penalty box from a corner.
The euphoria in Merseyside, northwestern England, was short-lived as Bolton struck back twice to claim a 2-1 victory.
