Aston Villa's former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Guzan has been in the spotlight after a dramatic MLS Cup loss for Inter Miami. The Florida side, co-owned by ex-England captain David Beckham, lost 3-2 to Atlanta United in the play-offs on Saturday.
Miami were expected to progress effortlessly against Atlanta, who had just come through the wild card round. However, Atlanta shocked Lionel Messi and co as Jamal Thiare and Bartosz Slisz secured a stunning victory. Guzan, who previously played for Aston Villa, played a significant role in the match's drama.
Suarez was seen complaining during the game amid rising tensions, and Guzan was noted laughing at the former Liverpool star. The pair were embroiled in contentious exchanges throughout the match. When Messi equalised at 2-2, Guzan became entangled with the Argentine as they both sought to retrieve the ball. Shortly after, Leonardo Campana purposely shoved Guzan, sending him crashing into the net. As Guzan struggled to regain his footing, Suarez approached, gesticulating at the goalkeeper, but was soon guided away.
Suarez's actions resulted in misfortune when Slisz netted the winner just 11 minutes later, ending Miami's hopes and eliminating the Supporters Shield winners. Despite being 40 years old, Guzan was a persistent thorn in Gerardo Martino's side, not only due to his antics but also with his impressive goalkeeping, including a remarkable close-range save when his side was 2-1 ahead.
Guzan had a notable spell with Aston Villa from 2008 to 2016, including a loan to Hull City in 2011, before joining Middlesbrough and subsequently Atlanta in 2017. Capped 64 times by the United States, Guzan was part of the MLS-winning squad with Atlanta in 2018 and is now the only remaining player from that victorious team.