When the United States national team takes the field against England at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday, Chivas USA might have a presence.
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan is with the United States national team with the hope of playing in his second U.S. match of the year.
"It's an awesome opportunity and an awesome honor to be involved with the national team," Guzan said. "Anytime you are involved with the national team it's a big deal and to be able to be part of the team and being able to play England at Wembley, it should be exciting and it should be fun and hopefully we'll get over there and get it going."
Following Saturday's match in Colorado, Guzan left the club to join up with his country. Guzan joined former Chivas USA coach Bob Bradley and former club goalkeeper coach Zak Abdel in London. While his familiarity with the two former Chivas USA coaches likely helps, whether Guzan's opportunity to play arrives on Wednesday or future matches likely depends on his league form and what he shows in training more than anything else.
Guzan is also in the mix for U.S. games against Spain (June 4) and Argentina (June 8). If and when his number is called, Guzan said he would be prepared. And really, he said there was only one thing he could do to ensure his inclusion on the squad.
"Continue to work hard. If the opportunity is given, you've got to be able to get a hold of it and prove you belong there," Guzan said. "Whether it's this game or a later game, a game in two years if that's my next call up or whenever, anytime you are with the national team you continue to try and prove yourself to the coaching staff and prove you belong there."
Guzan has proved he belongs on the international level while starring for Chivas USA. A year ago, Guzan capped off a brilliant individual campaign by winning the 2007 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award. He also played in Copa America for the United States. This year, he shut out Sweden on Jan. 19 as the U.S. won 2-0.
However, his form in league had been shaky at the start of the season. Guzan yielded four goals at Columbus and five goals to the Los Angeles Galaxy as the club sputtered out to a 1-4-2 start. But Guzan and Chivas USA have recovered as the Red-and-White has won consecutive matches with the fourth-year goalkeeper having played a key role in each game.
During the season's low points, though, Guzan did not doubt his ability or his stance on the national team.
"During those tough times you try and get back to what you're good at, try to get back into that groove," Guzan said. "There was never a point there where I was doubting myself or doubting my abilities. That was just a point that all professionals go through, some low times. Once you kind of get through those times -- low times are always followed by high times -- being able to get through that period and stay confident and being able to help the team, that's important."
Whether he is there as the starter or stays on the bench during the entire match, Guzan said he will remain focused on the task at hand.
"When you go, you've got to be able to focus on the match. It's not about going on vacation or getting away from Chivas or anyone else getting away from their club team. It's about going and representing your country and putting your best foot forward," he said. "And that means staying focused not only during the 90 minutes in the game but also during the days leading up to the game. You have to make sure you stay focused on the task at hand. If you start thinking about all that other stuff -- a 'vacation' and all that -- then you can get in big trouble."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
