CARSON, California - Club Deportivo Chivas USA of Major League Soccer today announced that 2007 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and Chivas USA Original Brad Guzan will return to the club for the 2008 season. The announcement comes following the denial of Guzan's British work permit application this afternoon, London time. The 23-year-old U.S. international had been set to join storied English Premier League club Aston Villa in a record transfer for an MLS goalkeeper.
"It has been my privilege to represent the Chivas colors for the past three years and I look forward to returning to Chivas USA this season," said Guzan in a statement from England. "I have always appreciated the support of Chivas USA and its passionate fans and shall continue wear the colors with pride as we strive for great things in MLS and beyond in 2008."
Upon return from England, Guzan is scheduled to train with the U.S. National Team this Saturday, Feb. 2 at The Home Depot Center and will address local media at 1:30 p.m. PT following practice. To RSVP, please email Keegan Pierce and David Lindholm of Chivas USA Communications: kpierce@cdchivasusa.com; dlindholm@cdchivasusa.com. Location within The Home Depot Center complex and additional event details will be provided via email on Friday.
"Brad is a world-class goalkeeper who has attracted the interest of some of the world's best clubs, and Chivas USA is happy to have him back for another season. Although we share in his disappointment at the denial of his British work permit, we know that Brad, like the true professional he is, will continue to work hard to improve every day on and off the field with Chivas USA," said Chivas USA Head Coach Preki Radosavljevic.
Major League Soccer's reigning Goalkeeper of the Year, Brad Guzan was selected by Chivas USA with its first pick in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft (No. 2 overall) out of the University of South Carolina, prior to the club's first season as an expansion team in Major League Soccer, making the then-20-year-old the highest-picked goalkeeper in MLS draft history. After playing 24 games for Chivas USA in his rookie season and earning the distinction of 2005 Chivas USA Defender of the Year, the fan favorite known as 'El Guzano' would go on to make his first of five appearances to date for the U.S. National Team in 2006. In 2007, Guzan recorded 13 clean sheets for a Chivas USA side that finished first in MLS's Western Conference.
Chivas USA opens preseason camp next Monday, Feb. 4 ahead of the 2008 season, its fourth in Major League Soccer. The Red-and-White begin play on March 30 at FC Dallas before celebrating its 2008 Home Opener against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, April 5 at The Home Depot Center. For tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit www.cdchivasusa.com.
About Chivas USA
Founded in 2004, Los Angeles-based Club Deportivo Chivas USA has achieved remarkable success in just three seasons in Major League Soccer. The Mexican-owned club finished first in MLS's Western Conference in 2007, qualifying for the playoffs for the second year in a row to the delight of its passionate supporters. Along the way, Chivas USA players and coaches have earned awards for Rookie of the Year (2006), Goalkeeper of the Year (2007) and Coach of the Year (2006, 2007). Meanwhile, the club's innovative grassroots programs demonstrate its deep commitment to the Southern California community, while the Chivas USA U-18 and U-16 youth teams and Chivas USA Soccer Academies offer unprecedented opportunities to the region's best young talent. For more information on Club Deportivo Chivas USA, please visit www.cdchivasusa.com.
