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Atlanta United Vs New York Red Bulls: 5 players to watch – Vivacious Villalba

By Josh Bouland

ATLANTA, GA SEPTEMBER 22: Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan (1) reacts after teammate Julian Gressel scored a goal in the first half during the match between Atlanta United and Real Salt Lake on September 22nd, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated Real Salt Lake by a score of 2 to 0. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA SEPTEMBER 22: Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan (1) reacts after teammate Julian Gressel scored a goal in the first half during the match between Atlanta United and Real Salt Lake on September 22nd, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated Real Salt Lake by a score of 2 to 0. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA SEPTEMBER 22: Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan (right) has words with Real Salt Lake’s Damir Kreilach (6) during the match between Atlanta United and Real Salt Lake on September 22nd, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated Real Salt Lake by a score of 2 to 0. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA SEPTEMBER 22: Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan (right) has words with Real Salt Lake’s Damir Kreilach (6) during the match between Atlanta United and Real Salt Lake on September 22nd, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated Real Salt Lake by a score of 2 to 0. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Brad Guzan

Brad Guzan is going to be another important player to watch this weekend. Although he had a forgettable performance back in May against New York (three goals conceded), the US international has a history with the Red Bulls. Guzan put in a fantastic performance last year in Harrison, winning the MLS Save of the Year award in the process. He helped Atlanta to a clean sheet in what was a scoreless draw.

Unfortunately, Guzan’s numbers this season aren’t great. He has six MLS seasons under his belt, four with Chivas USA and two with Atlanta. Through 122 career matches, he has 40 clean sheets and 400 saves. This season, he has eight clean sheets and 74 saves.

Guzan’s career stats read like this: he records a clean sheet about every three games and about three saves per game. This season he is averaging a clean sheet every 3.6 games and about 2.5 saves per game. Clearly, this season’s stats don’t exactly rank well with his career averages.

No matter, Atlanta is still top of the table and tied for second best in the league with just 36 goals allowed. Guzan will need a good performance this weekend for Atlanta to secure a result and attempt to distance themselves in the race for the Shield.

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