USMNT: Brad Guzan Set for Big Chance in Goal Against Costa Rica in Qualifying

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: March 19, 2013

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Over the weekend, his manager called his handiwork "world class." On Friday, Brad Guzan could be in line to help his country get back on track for the World Cup.

Guzan, a 28-year-old goalkeeper who currently plays for Aston Villa in England's Premier League, is widely expected to start in goal for the United States men's national team this Friday in a CONCACAF World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica. It would be his first appearance for the U.S. in almost three years, but that's not necessarily something for American fans to worry about.

With regular No. 1 Tim Howard injured, Guzan (20 caps) represents the Americans' most-experienced option at goalkeeper.

With a must-win match approaching, coach Jurgen Klinsmann has said the U.S. has "total faith" in Guzan (via MLSSoccer.com). Based on Guzan's recent form with Aston Villa, that faith is not at all misplaced.

Since displacing Republic of Ireland international Shay Given as Villa's No. 1 earlier this season, Guzan has been building his reputation with strong performances in Villa's fight to avoid relegation. On Saturday, against fellow relegation strugglers Queens Park Rangers, Guzan made a string of stunning saves to keep Villa in touch with dominant QPR.

Villa won the match 3-2 and gained three valuable points for the relegation battle. Guzan, meanwhile, earned high praise from his boss.



"Some of his saves were outstanding. He’s really playing on top of his game at the moment," said Aston Villa's first-year manager, Paul Lambert, who called three of Guzan's saves "world class" (via the Birmingham Mail).

Guzan made his last appearance in World Cup qualifying almost exactly four years ago—March 28, 2009, at El Salvador (via Goal.com). Since then, no keeper besides Howard has played for the U.S. in a qualifying match.

With his big chance coming up, however, Guzan sounded both confident and humble.

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Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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