Doors are opening for Chivas’ Guzan
Opportunity isn’t just knocking on Brad Guzan’s door, it’s pounding.
The Chivas USA player was one of three goalkeepers picked this week for the U.S. national team for the Gold Cup, along with World Cup veteran Kasey Keller and his heir apparent, Tim Howard.
Unless injury to either of them changes plans, Guzan will not take part in the 12-nation regional championship but will be held in reserve for what is possibly an even bigger challenge, the Copa America in Venezuela.
Keller and Howard will skip that event, as will Marcus Hahnemann, meaning that U.S. Coach Bob Bradley will turn to Major League Soccer goalkeepers for the South American jaunt. Guzan, with the Galaxy’s Joe Cannon and New England’s Matt Reis, will be at the top of his list.
Chances are good, therefore, that Guzan could be starting in the nets when the U.S. opens against Argentina in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on June 28.
“For a 22-year-old goalkeeper getting the opportunity to represent your country, and then to play against one of the best teams in the world, if not the best, words can’t describe the feelings that run through you at that point,” Guzan said after training at the Home Depot Center on Friday for tonight’s match against FC Dallas. “It would be unbelievable.”
Guzan will spend next week training with the national team in Carson and could play a part in its June 2 friendly against China in San Jose.
Even if he remains on the bench, the opportunity to work alongside Keller and Howard is invaluable.
“Kasey has been at the highest level for numerous years now. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in U.S. history. And Tim’s just flying up the ladder right now,” Guzan said. “When you work with those two guys, you learn about being a professional, you learn about the mentality it takes to play at that level.”
Keller will be 40 by the time the 2010 World Cup arrives and Hahnemann, who is taking this summer off, will be 38. Both could be out of consideration, leaving the door open for Guzan and other young keepers.
For the moment, though, the Chivas USA standout has to focus on MLS and specifically on Dallas, which leads the Western Conference. Even without the suspended Carlos Ruiz, Dallas presents a challenge.
“It’s going to be a tough game for us” Guzan said. “They’re scoring goals, they’re making goals out of nothing, basically.
“Whenever you’ve got a team like that, that’s a dangerous sign because they can score at any time.”
Preki, the Chivas USA coach, agreed but has confidence that Guzan can make a difference.
“I think Brad has made great strides and he still can grow as a goalkeeper,” Preki said. “Obviously, he’s very young, but he has enormous potential.”
GALAXY TONIGHT
at Colorado, 5:30 PDT, FSNW
Site -- Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Radio -- 1700, 830 (Spanish).
Records -- Galaxy 1-2-2, Rapids 3-2-3.
Record vs. Rapids (2006) -- 0-3-1.
Update -- This is the first time the Galaxy will play against forward Herculez Gomez and defender Ugo Ihemelu, the two players it traded to Colorado in exchange for starting goalkeeper Joe Cannon. Galaxy forward Gavin Glinton had a hernia operation Wednesday; defender Chris Albright will be sidelined for at least four months, the team said, after surgery Thursday to repair a torn right hamstring. The Galaxy hopes Albright could return in time for the MLS playoffs.
CHIVAS USA TONIGHT
vs. FC Dallas, 7:30, FSC, FSE
Site -- Home Depot Center.
Radio -- 1020.
Records -- Chivas 2-3-2, Dallas 5-3-1.
Record vs Dallas (2006) -- 2-1-1.
Update -- Chivas, looking for its first victory in four games, will again be without Romanian right back Alex Zotinca, who has a right hamstring strain.
