Guzan Comes Up Clutch as Atlanta United Grinds Out a Draw in New Jersey

by: Michael Sanders

With only five matches left in the 2024 regular season, Atlanta United went into New Jersey knowing what was on the line. The playoffs were within reach, but every point mattered. Against a tough New York Red Bulls side, it was Brad Guzan who kept the dream alive.

The veteran keeper turned back time Saturday night, anchoring the 5-Stripes with a calm presence and crucial stops in a tense 2-2 battle. His performance was so sharp that MLS named him to the Team of the Matchday for Matchday 34.

The defining moment came in the 87th minute. With the match tied and momentum swinging, Jay Fortune was called for a kicking foul inside the box, gifting the Red Bulls a penalty and a golden chance to steal the win.

Elias Manoel stepped up to the spot, the crowd roaring behind him. Guzan guessed right, stretched wide, and stopped it cold — his third penalty save of the season and one that instantly shifted the tone.

Moments later, Edwin Mosquera struck a rocket from distance to put Atlanta up 2-1, silencing the New Jersey crowd and sending the away bench into chaos. Though the Red Bulls found an equalizer before the whistle, Guzan’s leadership was the thread holding it all together.

For Atlanta United, the draw felt more like a lifeline. The defense held strong, the energy was there, and Guzan reminded everyone that experience still matters when the pressure peaks.

“Brad was massive for us,” one teammate said after the match. “He’s the reason we’re walking away with a point tonight.”

As the playoff chase tightens, the 5-Stripes know one thing for sure — they’ll go as far as Guzan’s steady hands can take them.