CARSON, Calif. - For Chivas USA, Brad Guzan and goalkeeping seem to go together well. After all, Guzan won over many fans at the start of the 2005 season when the then-20-year-old was thrown into the fire at the start of the club's inaugural campaign.
Guzan improved well over the course of the club's first year and earned a call to the national team as well as a cap. Last week, Guzan was called back to the U.S. national team.
However, despite Guzan's development, another goalkeeper leads the club in all-time regular-season wins. Preston Burpo played every league match from late May to early September a year ago and racked up a club-high seven wins in that span. Guzan, though, replaced Burpo down the stretch and helped Chivas USA gain a playoff spot for the first time.
Entering the 2007 season, Chivas USA has a pair of solid options at goal. But one of them is ahead of the other.
"Last year, Brad finished the season as the No. 1 and right now Brad has a slight edge," Chivas USA coach Preki said. "When you say that, you're never certain about those kinds of things because Brad has to keep himself in good form to keep that spot."
Guzan and Burpo have split time in goal during the preseason. Guzan played in a 2-1 loss to Chicago and a 2-2 draw against New York while Burpo was in goal for a 1-1 draw against Houston and a 3-1 loss to Real Salt Lake.
"We've just been switching off games. We'll see what happens," Guzan said before leaving for U.S. camp. "I don't think he can go wrong. We're two competitive guys and both of us will be ready whoever he calls upon."
At the start of the 2006 season, Guzan was the starter as the club looked to improve on its expansion season. Guzan, though, sputtered out of the gate and was benched after yielding eight goals in a two-game East Coast swing.
Burpo started against Chicago on May 27 and promptly shut out the Fire 1-0. A 4-1 win against Colorado and a 2-1 win against rivals L.A. Galaxy followed as Chivas USA pieced together its first winning streak in club history.
Burpo went on to post a 7-3-9 record with five shutouts but was benched after a 2-1 loss to D.C. United. Guzan finished the year off in strong manner as Chivas USA clinched a playoff spot for the first time in club history.
Now, Preki must decide who starts in goal at the beginning of this season. Guzan said that no matter who starts the play must be consistent for the club to do well.
"If one of us is named the No. 1, you have to play consistently well the entire year," Guzan said. "You can't have a couple of bad games because all of a sudden the next guy is peeking over your shoulder saying 'When am I going to get my shot?'"
Guzan might have learned from last season. He started the season with a 3-0 win against Real Salt Lake but did not win again until September.
"For us to be that No. 1, to be consistent will be huge for us. Once you name a No. 1, you have to be able to keep it," Guzan said. "It's not like 'Here you go' at the beginning of April and you get to keep it for the whole year. Week in and week out you have to prove it."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
