We're about to board a plane to Venezuela, en route to the Copa América.
Leaving Chivas USA isn't the easiest thing, but any time you're asked to represent your country it's an unbelievable feeling. I'll do my best to keep up with Chivas and see how the results are going. I know we'll be alright.
I have a lot of friends and family in Illinois, so coming back here was an awesome experience. Joining the [U.S.] national team in Chicago was unbelievable. Training on Saturday and being at the Gold Cup final on Sunday was great.
During the final, those of us who didn't play were able to watch the game from a suite. After the game we went down to the field for the award presentation to receive our medals; it was exciting. This is my first time as an international champion. My cheeks were sore from constantly smiling and cheering and having a good time.
It's one of those things where you hope for many more but you always cherish the moments that you have and the circumstances like that.
In the Gold Cup final, I thought the guys played well. We created chances. We were unlucky not to put a couple away earlier. And obviously Brian Ching did well to get the PK, and Benny [Feilhaber] had a cracker of a goal for the second one.
Playing against South American teams in Venezuela, a lot of them are going to look to knock the ball around. It's going to be very hot, so conserving our legs is very important. It will benefit me and the other guys from Chivas USA as well, because Chivas USA's style is kind of the same thing. Hey, I may even get to use my Spanish ...
Facing Argentina in our first game is going to be a big test for us. We're going to have to put it all on the line and hope for a good result. Paraguay and Colombia are also going to be tough opponents. Hopefully we can do well and get some results in the group stage and advance.
From there, anything can happen.
Hasta la próxima ...
Brad Guzan
