Guzan's last MLS match?

                                                            Photo by ISIphotos.com

With growing rumors linking Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan to a move to Aston Villa this summer, tonight's game against Los Angeles began looming large as potentially his last MLS match for the Goats. After the 1-1 tie against the Galaxy, Guzan didn't exactly say anything to dismiss the rumors in his post-match interview with ESPN's Allen Hopkins.

"I know there's some talks going on and obviously we're kind of seeing what happens in the next couple of days here," Guzan said of rumors of a potential move to Aston Villa. "I hope for the best result for everybody involved."

When asked by Hopkins to sum up his time in MLS if Thursday night's match was, in fact, his last MLS for Chivas USA, Guzan opened up a bit.

"It's been absolutely unbelievable," Guzan said of his time in MLS. "Obviously being able to stay at a club for three and a half years, learning and growing as a player, as a person, I've been very thankful for Chivas USA and everything they've done for me.

"And obviously the league has made tremendous strides and hopefully it'll keep going in the right direction."

Sounds like someone ready to make a move, doesn't it? Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[mikeK]

Goodbye brad guzan.

He'll get a permit, right?

[Mark]

Based on his comments, I'd say he's as good as gone. And his chances of getting a work permit now are much better than they were last summer.

[papa bear]

I think he's played every match except the Argentina match and has been called up for every single one. I can't imagine a work permit being a problem at this point.

He's as good as gone and Villa will get him much cheaper than last summer. His contract is up after the season and there is no way they want him to walk for free which he will certainly do.

He's been a great player in the league and I hope he does great wherever he goes.

[Scott, PA]

Good luck to him. I still kind of wish he was going to Celtic to replace the Holy Goalie when he leaves, but I'll get over it. My two new favorite EPL teams are now Pompey because of the 6 foot 7 Peter Crouch (that's my height too) and now Villa if this move goes through.

[Strider]

Great for Brad! Now if we (the U.S.) could just begin generating more creative players the way we have athletic goalies! Let's hope Freddy & Jozy are a good start.

[Big Boy]

I find this soooo interesting. BB and aparently English clubs like him more than MLS. Please not the Guzan was not selected for the MLS allstar team first group. Wonder why he has lest respect at home then abroad?

[Byron]

Big Boy, it probably has something to do with his terrible form in the first half of the season. After the first handful of mls games I didn't think there was any chance that Villa would come calling again. Perhaps O'neil felt sorry for him after the pathetic plea at Wembly. Either way he is probably better than any keeper that England has to offer and he will continue on the American tradition of owning English nets.

[anotherbodymurdered]

Maybe because there are other players (R*is, Busch, for example) who have played better, and have played more games (since Guzan has been with the MNT). I'd say getting called to the national team indicates plenty of respect at homs.

[tbisgrove]

Not sure its AV. If I look at the numbers right, he doesn't have the 75% in 2yrs apperance numbers for FA work permit. He's more around 60%, unless they just want to look at the most recent 1 yr, then its around 80%.

Anyways, England papers are talking that AV is also angling for Friedel, so who knows. I see Guzan going France or SPL, maybe Germany at this point. Brad, get out of MLS soon, just make sure you earn them a transfer fee or they'll never let you come back.

[DL]

Speaking of transfers out of MLS, has anyone heard any developments about Cooper going to Rosenborg? Just curious.

[SeaOtter]

Even if he doesn't have the requisite number of appearances (very close), there is a precedent of Nats coaches being able to vouch that a player will continue to be an integral part of the National side.

It's happened for an American before, I believe under Arena. Can't remember the player though.

[brett]

tbisgrove- Friedel is being pursued by City.... i dont think Villa has hopes of picking him up..

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DL- Cooper has connections to better leagues and better clubs the Rosenborg... after this season (or even this transfer window) it'll be hard for scouts not to be interested in Cooper... he's on a poorly performing team (which is shocking b/c they have the talent to do well), he's scoring goals (not far from GB territory), he has the height, skill, and speed to do well in most any league.... i would think his ability would excell with quality distribution and support...

[brett]

tbisgrove - also i doubt Villa would pursue Guzan again if they thought there was any chance of not getting the permits this time.... not to mention BB has been giving him caps all but the Argie game this year... not to mention the US's keen ability of producing quality GK's.. i mean if our National coach is giving him the look (even if its just to get caps) then it should be apparent (even if you havent watched him play) that he's quite good

[mike ruze]

It would suck if Cooper went to a second rate Rosenborg.

Players end their Nat dreams when they go there.

Brian West, Cam Russell, Wade Barrett, Corrales all seem to suck more since they made that move to scandanavia.

[HMJanik]

Did you look at what the article said itself? 'When asked by Hopkins to sum up his time in MLS if Thursday night's match was, in fact, his last MLS for Chivas USA, Guzan opened up a bit.' He was asked what he would say IF he was leaving...I hhave first hand information, as of right now, he has NO idea if he's leaving yet, although we do hope him the best of luck if he does end up leaving!!

[DP]

If I'm not mistaken, friendly's do not count as caps for work permit.

[Justin O]

mike ruze - Rosenborg is not just any Scandinavian club.