A few poor performances caused Brad Guzan to fall out of Chivas USA's starting lineup a year ago. In the club's seventh game, then-coach Bob Bradley went with Preston Burpo, and the club took off as Burpo helped Chivas USA reel off three consecutive victories.
On Saturday, Burpo was once again the starting goalkeeper and again won his debut with a shutout as Chivas USA beat the New England Revolution 2-0.
This time around, though, he did not hold out hope that he would remain the starter for anywhere near the 19 games he did last season. Bradley again forced Chivas USA to turn to Burpo, as the club's former coach took Guzan to Copa America as the second-choice goalkeeper behind Kasey Keller.
When Guzan returns, Burpo said his spot will be waiting for him.
"I'm here because he's gone and I was needed," Burpo said. "I'm needed Wednesday and if he happens to be back next Saturday, he'll be back in. End of story."
The United States is nearly eliminated from contention for the knockout stage following a 4-1 loss to Argentina and a 3-1 loss to Paraguay in Copa America. The U.S. plays Colombia on Thursday and if the quarterfinals do not follow, players might be back Stateside by the weekend. Whether or not they'll be in playing condition upon their arrivals, though, remains to be seen.
When Guzan is back and able to play, Burpo said he would step aside for the man whom he called the deserving starter. Guzan went 5-4-2 in 11 games as a starter and had five shutouts. Only Houston's Pat Onstad (0.83) has a few goals-against average than Guzan (1.09).
It's Guzan's standout play that has helped him garner national team attention in the first place, Burpo said.
"Brad deserves to be the number one right now. Objectively speaking, I think you could justify Brad being on the national team right now. If Bob decided to go with an MLS 'keeper, I think he's been one of the best in the MLS," Burpo said. "There are a few 'keepers who deserve it and he deserves to go."
With Guzan not playing well in early 2006, Burpo stepped in and helped the team rise from the bottom of the table into playoff contention. He compiled a 9-3-7 mark as Chivas' starting goalkeeper but was replaced after a 2-1 loss to D.C. United in September.
Having spent that time on the field helped him slip right into the squad this time around.
"I played with Claudio (Suarez), Jason (Hernandez), Orlando (Perez) last year," Burpo said. "For the most part I've played with all these guys so there wasn't really an adjustment period."
Burpo had five shutouts a year ago, including a 1-0 win against Chicago in his MLS debut. On Saturday, the defense did well to thwart New England's attack as the Revs put just two of their 10 shots on goal. Burpo even got some help from Revs rookie Adam Cristman, who pushed an open header wide of the goal early in the second half.
Chivas USA, though, will be shorthanded next match. Suarez was sent off late in the match and will sit out Wednesday's game at FC Dallas. The team will get Shavar Thomas back but must also cover for Paulo Nagamura, who picked up a yellow and is suspended for yellow-card accumulation.
"Jason will have to step up and play the central defender spot again. Lawson (Vaughn) is a possibility for stepping in the middle," Burpo said. "There are a few options. Preki and the guys will hopefully figure it all out by Wednesday."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
