Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan said on Friday that U.S. men’s national team coach Dave Sarachan has reached out to him regarding joining the national team for its upcoming games. But Guzan declined to say if he has been invited.
“I’m in communication with those guys, but I’ll let you guys wait and see,” Guzan said.
The FIFA window allows for national teams to play friendlies Sept. 3-11. The U.S. has games scheduled against Brazil on Sept. 7 in New Jersey and against Mexico on Sept. 11 in Nashville.
Guzan, 33, has 58 appearances for the U.S.
With the United States’ failure to qualify for the World Cup in Russia, Sarachan turned to the next generation of players in recent games against Bolivia, Ireland and France played earlier this year.
Guzan said if he is called into camp, he will try to provide leadership and use his experiences to teach the younger players who he may be in camp with next week.
“Anytime you are involved with the national team it’s an honor,” Guzan said. “You need, us as a country, as a group, we understand that going forward we have a lot of young, exciting players. But with those guys, they need experience. They need to play in big games. They need to understand what our region is like in terms of qualifying for a World Cup, in terms of playing against these countries that present different challenges than playing games in Europe, games here in the united states.
“These experiences top to bottom are huge for everyone really.”
Guzan and Atlanta United will play at D.C. United on Sunday. He has 25 appearances this season with six shutouts. Atlanta United is second in MLS in points (54).
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