While the Atlanta United attack captured many of the headlines this year, the effort on the other side of the field received some well-deserved recognition as well. Despite joining the team halfway through the season, goalkeeper Brad Guzan still came away from his debut year with 3 MLS Save of the Week awards:
7/21/17 - Guzan at Orlando City SC
Despite a strong start to the season for Alec Kann, there was anticipation for Brad Guzan's first start in red, black and gold – and he didn't disappoint. Brad earned a clean sheet in his man-of-the-match debut, with this close-range stop the highlight of the night. Once it went up for a vote, Atlanta United fans got 57% of the vote to acknowledge Brad's starring debut.
10/15/17 - Guzan at New York Red Bulls
Brad Guzan's late-season shutout streak solidified the Atlanta United defense as one of the best in the league this year. His low, strong hand to keep out Bradley Wright-Phillips from point-blank range may have been the pick of the bunch. Getting down quickly enough is one thing, but having a strong enough hand to deflect the shot over the goal, this one is well in the running for MLS Save of the Year. This save earned 76% of the fan vote on MLSSoccer.com.
10/22/17 - Guzan vs Toronto FC
Speaking of MLS Save of the Year candidates, Brad racked up two of the them in two weeks to cap off the regular season. After the Red Bulls clean sheet in the week prior, he stood tall to deny Jozy Altidore with a strong swat after his fellow U.S. international was passed through one-on-one with the goal. This save earned a staggering 94% of the fan vote on MLSSoccer.com.
Go ahead and get those @MLS Save of the Week votes in now 👀 pic.twitter.com/vafVxrdU12
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) October 22, 2017
As mentioned, two of those saves have been nominated for the MLS Save of the Year. Click here to cast your vote now.
