CARSON, Calif. -- Since Chivas USA began sorting out their first-ever roster, Brad Guzan has been a pillar with the Red-and-White.
The club's first-ever SuperDraft choice eventually became its first-ever starting goalkeeper and led the club to their first-ever playoff victory a year later.
Now, Guzan is blazing a new path and leaving Chivas USA in his wake. Chivas USA and Major League Soccer agreed with English club Aston Villa to send Guzan to the English Premiership. If a work permit is secured, Guzan has played his last match with the Red-and-White.
"It was mixed emotions obviously," Guzan said after watching Chivas USA and Pachuca play in Sunday's SuperLiga match. "I've been part of this club for 3-1/2 years and to be parting ways right now it's a little difficult. There is excitement but at the same time there is a little bit of a soft spot in my heart for these guys busting my butt day in and day out with them."
With Guzan left, only Francisco "Panchito" Mendoza remains as an original club member. Mendoza and the rest of the club must adjust on the fly to life without Guzan.
In his final season with Chivas USA, Guzan left the club atop the Western Conference standings. After his last match -- a 1-1 draw with the Galaxy -- Guzan left the club tied for first place. He had compiled a 5-1-2 mark in his final eight games after recovering from an early-season slump.
Guzan said he felt confident that the players left behind would be in a good position for the remainder of the 2008 regular season.
"I know the work that goes in day in and day out on the training field," Guzan said. "I know the schedule that they have ahead of them with all these games but I know it's not going to be easy but with the character we have in our locker room, it's special. I expect nothing but the best and that's obviously making the playoffs and making a serious push at an MLS championship."
That Guzan is heading over to England is a testament to his mental makeup and composure, something that led to success with the Red-and-White. Guzan endured a trying first season. When veteran goalkeeper Martin Zuniga injured his shoulder in the preseason, Guzan became the number one goalkeeper by default. He struggled early on but by midseason had shown that he was indeed worth the second overall selection in the 2005 SuperDraft.
Guzan earned a callup to the U.S. national team in January 2006 and earned his first cap a month later.
By the end 2006, Guzan was in the playoffs as Chivas USA finished third in the Western Conference. A year ago, Guzan led Chivas USA to the conference title with 13 shutouts in 27 starts.
The interest from abroad grew after the end of the 2007 season and Aston Villa came calling in January. A deal had been worked out prior to the start of the 2008 preseason but Guzan's work permit was denied at the 11th hour.
Now, though, Guzan said he and Aston Villa officials are certain in the Guzan's ability to secure the all-important permit.
"Hopefully that will all sort itself out," Guzan said. "That's the plan obviously. I think we're all confident."
With Aston Villa, Guzan will have the task of landing a starting spot on a club that finished sixth in the Premiership last season. And although the level of competition for starting spots in England is grand, Guzan said he would not have it any other way.
"Any time you go to a big club like Aston Villa, there is always competition. That's what makes them so good. If you look at the big clubs around the world, there are always two or three top goalkeepers at each club. I'm expecting nothing less than a hard-fought battle and hopefully I'll be able to earn the No. 1 spot."
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