Guzan Aims to Cement No. 1 GK Position for MNT in His First Gold Cup

U.S. MNT goalkeeper Brad Guzan has gone to two World Cups. He’s gone 5-1-2 in eight World Cup qualifiers and played brilliantly in an important match against Egypt in the 2009 Confederations Cup.

A solid backup behind Tim Howard throughout his National Team career, the 30-year-old ‘keeper is only now making his CONCACAF Gold Cup debut in Tuesday’s tournament opener against Honduras and he’s grasped what the chance to start in the competition means for the future.

“This being my first real Gold Cup if you want to call it that, it’s an opportunity to hopefully establish myself as the number one goalkeeper, hopefully play well and help the team do well,” Guzan, who holds 31 U.S. caps, told ussoccer.com. “On an individual level, it’s an important tournament for me because I haven’t played as many games for the National Team as I would have liked.”

When Guzan makes his Gold Cup debut Tuesday night in Frisco, Texas, he’ll be doing so in the same place he made his international debut for the U.S. in a 4-0 friendly win against Guatemala on February 19, 2006.

As a goalkeeper, Guzan said he’s always felt a sense of pride about being called to U.S. camp, but the opportunity to start is unlike nothing else. “It’s different when you get to step out on the field, you’re playing in the big games and you’re the guy that’s going to be called on to make a big save, help the team win and do well.

“That’s a responsibility you cherish – you want that responsibility.”