Atlanta United’s Brad Guzan on verge of two milestones

They are marks that the 38-year-old said he didn’t consider when he signed with the club before the 2017 season after years in England with Aston Villa, Hull City and Middlesborough.

“In professional sports, you don’t think too far down the road,” he said “Never crossed my mind. It’s an honor to represent this club. It’s an honor to be a part of this club.”

The possible start and shutout would be Guzan’s 242nd and 81st in regular season and playoff matches as an MLS player. Guzan previously played for Chivas before he was transferred to Aston Villa in July, 2008.

That hyper-focus in Guzan’s reply about the possible milestones also applied to a mistake he made in last week’s 3-3 draw with New England. A mistake -- he said it was a “bad pass” -- made in the opening minute resulted in New England’s first goal.

“Get on with it,” he said. “The game goes on. It’s not the first time I’ve made a mistake, it won’t be the last time. You get on with it.”

Guzan has made nine starts with 14 goals allowed and two clean sheets.

Manager Gonzalo Pineda said after the New England match that he had every confidence in Guzan.

“As a leader, as a captain and as a goalkeeper he is just great,” Pineda said. “Today probably wasn’t his night, especially that first goal, but other than that he’s always a great goalkeeper.”

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Atlanta United’s 2023 MLS schedule

Feb. 25 Atlanta United 2, San Jose Earthquakes 1

March 4 Atlanta United 1, Toronto FC 1

March 11 Atlanta United 3, Charlotte FC 0

March 18 Atlanta United 5, Portland 1

March 25 Columbus 6, Atlanta United 1

April 1 Atlanta United 1, New York Red Bulls 0

April 8 Atlanta United 1, New York City FC 1

April 15 Atlanta United 2, Toronto FC 2

April 23 Atlanta United 2, Chicago 1

April 29 Nashville SC 3, Atlanta United 1

May 6 Inter Miami CF 2, Atlanta United 1

May 13 Charlotte 3, Atlanta United 1

May 17 Atlanta United 4, Colorado 0

May 20 Atlanta United 3, Chicago 3

May 27 Atlanta United 1, Orlando 1

May 31 Atlanta United 3, New England 3

June 7 or Sept. 13 at Los Angeles FC, 10:30 p.m.

June 10 vs. D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.

June 21 vs. New York City FC, 7:30 p.m.

June 24 at New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.

July 2 vs. Philadelphia Union, 4 p.m., Fox

July 8 at CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m.

July 12 at New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m.

July 15 vs. Orlando City SC, 7:30 p.m., FS1

Aug. 20 at Seattle Sounders, 10:30 p.m.

Aug. 26 vs. Nashville SC, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 30 vs. FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 2 at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 16 vs. Inter Miami CF, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 23 vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Philadelphia Union, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 7 vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 21 at FC Cincinnati, TBA