Brad Guzan turns back the clock in Atlanta draw with LAFC
One week after one of his worst performances in an Atlanta United shirt, Guzan put in a shift on the road against the defending MLS Cup Champions LAFC to earn his side a point.
LAFC huffed and puffed but were unable to get past the wall that was Guzan. The Black and Gold accumulated an xG of 2.30 and had 22 shots on goal in the game, but were left frustrated come full-time.
The hosts were also the better side for the majority of the game with their aggressive pressing that often saw Atlanta struggle to get out of their own half. However, the 38-year-old was the sole reason Atlanta didn't lose the game by a staggering scoreline. The former USMNT No. 1 made eight impressive saves amidst shouts beforehand that he should be replaced in goal.
LAFC earned a penalty kick in the second half, but Carlos Vela's attempt was saved by Guzan. However, VAR would show that he came off his line early and the penalty was retaken. The mind games must've gotten to Vela as he skied his second attempt, keeping the game at 0-0.
Atlanta's No. 1 also secured his 50th clean sheet in MLS after his impressive shot-stopping performance.
Atlanta's strange season continues as they now sit fifth in the Eastern Conference table with 25 points from 17 games played. Despite their inconsistency, they remain in a playoff spot but will have work to do in the upcoming summer transfer window if they are to have a strong second half of the season.
Sign up now for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV to watch all the action from the 2023 Major League Soccer season. Click here to subscribe!