Before a single whistle blew, everyone at Mercedes-Benz Stadium stood. Brad Guzan came onto the field of play for the final time to a roaring ovation. The weight of the moment was two decades in the making.
Guzan was open and honest about how difficult the decision to retire was, and anyone in the city of Atlanta could've told you Saturday night was going to be emotional. From the first steps he took out onto the pitch, the atmosphere was incredible. The 17s in attendance Saturday night loudly applauded him when he was presented with a commemorative jersey before the match
From start to finish, Guzan was disciplined. No amount of attention could shake his competitive concentration. This was just another day the office.
Guzan's first save came int the 10th minute, a firm grab right at his chest with two hands. The natural response from the crowd was a resounding "GUUUZ".
A diving stop to his right to deny a close header was his second and best save of the night. That was, until he made his third. D.C. United were through on goal after a ball played in behind the defense. Benteke had a chance with just Guzan to beat from just a few paces away, but the Big, Bald Wall stood tall and made the last-ditch dive in the 40th minute.
As has been the story of Guzan's entire career, resilience and professionalism was his trademark. He's always rolls with the punches and been a faithful servant in good times and bad. Though a second half goal from D.C. United leveled the scoreboard and ended the match with a draw, Guzan and the rest of the side processed around the pitch to thank the fans for their support all season. "GUUUZ" chants were inescapable.
Guzan got onto the mic and addressed the 17s who stayed to celebrate the squad and the goalkeeper himself. He delivered an impassioned speech, promising a turnaround from the club after a difficult season. You felt the conviction ring throughout Mercedes-Benz Stadium — and there was no one better to deliver that message.
After the match, Guzan was awarded the Golden Spike of Excellence in front of The Gulch.
Guzan got some time to embrace his teammates, the people he went to battle with every weekend for years on end.
He kept his family by his side throughout the entire process, and it was so fitting. He spoke in his retirement announcement press conference about how much of a pillar they were for him throughout the highs and lows of his career.
And just like that, a career full of accomplishment came to an end. Four trophies and over 260 matches with Atlanta United later, Guzan can sit back at the end of it all and know he made history.
He left the floodlights, family at his side. Then, and only then, did Brad Guzan say goodbye to professional football. A decision he lamented making, but one he knew would have to be made. His career path will surely keep him in and around the sport, but for now, he'll start a new chapter.
In case we didn't say it enough: Thank you, Guz.
