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When I saw the highlights, read the quotes after the game and talked to former Providence coach John Kovatch this morning, you can't help but smile for Brad Guzan (left).
Anyone who has been a daily reader of this blog knows I have been a big fan of Guzan since his days at Providence, when he dominated opponents on the field - even though he was a natural goalie. I still remember when former Wheaton Academy coach Chip Huber looked at me after a Class A sectional game in Lemont and said, "Joe, Guzan is just a monster on the field."
I'm sure that's exactly what Sunderland thought after its Sweet 16 English League Cup match with Aston Villa on Tuesday.
But what Sunderland doesn't know is that's nothing new for Guzan. He did the exact same thing to Gibault in the 2002 Class A semifinals.
I'm not going to lie - I'm pretty excited to write this story. I get tired of writing about things that seem negative, but sometimes you have to hit certain subjects and topics.
On Tuesday, Guzan, 25, made a rare appearance for Aston Villa in goal. The backup keeper to Brad Friedel saved one penalty kick in the 85th minute of a scoreless game and then stopped three of four penalty kicks he faced in the shootout.
"We deserved to go through, but (Guzan) had one of them nights he's going to remember for the rest of his life," Sunderland coach Steve Bruce said.
"He was excellent." Aston Villa coach Martin O'Neill said, "No one's more euphoric than Mr. Guzan. His was a fabulous, fantastic performance.
"He's got everything and he's as brave as they come. Guzan was immense tonight. I can't remember the last time a keeper saved four penalties, but, by the end, I was almost expecting him to save them. I just think he's going to be a great goalkeeper."
Guzan, who is the backup keeper to Tim Howard on the U.S. National Team, played all four years at Providence. He trained with Chicago Magic and played two years at South Carolina before entering the MLS.
For those that don't remember, Guzan played the field for 100 minutes against Gibault on a hot Saturday morning back in 2002 at North Central College. When the game went to penalty kicks, Kovatch placed Guzan in goal and watched as he carried Providence to the Class A final with an amazing performance that had the stands buzzing.
And there's no doubt Gibault coach Jim Corsi knows exactly how Bruce felt after Guzan's latest performance.
Once again, Guzan played high school and club.
And now he's starring in the Premier League.
Enough said.
- Joe Trost
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Joe - I love your stories. Thank you so much for everything you do championing soccer in the area. Without you we wouldn't have anyone to standup for our sport that we love. Thank you very much!
I remember seeing Guzan for the first time in a IYSA state cup final at U15 level.He was playing keeper for the Magic at that time. His verbal control over his defensive area was awesome and he totally dominated the goalmouth area.Hope to see him continue to progress in the EPL. Also waiting to see the emergence of another noted Magic keeper Josh lambo in the not too distant future.