Brad Guzan, Atlanta United’s long-serving goalkeeper and captain, will play the final match of his professional career on Saturday night. Head coach Ronny Deila has named Guzan in the starting lineup for Atlanta United’s match against D.C. United, marking his 552nd career appearance and his 262nd with Atlanta, the most in club history.
Guzan, who began his professional career in 2005, will wear the captain’s armband one last time. Over his tenure with Atlanta United, he has recorded 99 wins—90 in regular season matches and nine in Audi MLS Cup Playoff games—and kept 61 clean sheets in MLS regular season play, including five against D.C. United.
The back four in front of Guzan features Ronald Hernández and Pedro Amador as fullbacks, with Enea Mihaj and Juan Berrocal forming the center back pairing. Both Mihaj and Berrocal joined Atlanta United as summer signings and step into the starting lineup with Stian Gregersen unavailable.
In midfield, Bartosz Slisz and Steven Alzate support Alexey Miranchuk. This trio has provided consistency for Atlanta during the latter part of the season after a period of injuries and squad rotation.
The attack sees Luke Brennan return from international duty with the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team to start on the right wing, while Miguel Almirón starts on the left. Almirón is set to make his 100th career start for Atlanta United, which would make him the eighth player in club history to reach that milestone.
Emmanuel Latte Lath leads the line at striker, making consecutive starts for the first time since August. Latte Lath is Atlanta United’s top scorer this MLS regular season with seven goals.
On the bench, Jamal Thiaré could make his 300th professional appearance if he enters the match.
The match also serves as Atlanta United’s annual Pride celebration and gives fans a final opportunity to support their team this season.
The reverse fixture between Atlanta United and D.C. United earlier this year was only the second draw between the two clubs in MLS play. Atlanta holds a record of 10 wins, seven losses, and two draws against D.C. United, and has outscored them 19-13 at home over their last eight meetings.
The match is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET.
“Brad Guzan will play the final match of his career,” said head coach Ronny Deila. “Saturday night’s match will be a celebration in many ways. Of identity, as Atlanta United celebrates its yearly Pride match. Of the 17s, who’ve showed out rowdy and proud for another full season. And, of course, of Guzan, the winningest player in Atlanta United’s history.”
