Brad Guzan
A stalwart American goalkeeper whose longevity and leadership anchored the U.S. national team and Major League Soccer for over a decade.
Born 1984 (age 42)·American soccer player·Birthday: September 9·Millennials
Biography
Brad Guzan built a career on resilience, evolving from a highly-touted prospect into a durable and commanding presence in goal. Drafted by Chivas USA in 2005, he quickly established himself as one of MLS's best, winning Goalkeeper of the Year before securing a move to England's Aston Villa. His Premier League tenure was a test of fortitude, featuring both standout saves and spells as an understudy. Through it all, he remained a constant for the U.S. Men's National Team, serving as a reliable deputy to Tim Howard before earning the starting role himself, amassing over 60 caps. His career found a late peak upon returning to MLS with Atlanta United, where his experience and organizing skills were instrumental in the club's 2018 MLS Cup victory. More than just a shot-stopper, Guzan's value lay in his steady demeanor and vocal leadership, qualities that extended his impact well beyond the penalty area.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Brad was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Brad Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Brad's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the MLS Cup with Atlanta United in 2018, playing every minute of the regular season and playoffs.
- Earned MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors in 2007 with Chivas USA.
- Accumulated over 60 caps for the United States Men's National Team, appearing in World Cup qualifying campaigns and the 2016 Copa América.
- Had a seven-season career in the English Premier League with Aston Villa, making over 150 appearances for the club.
Did You Know?
He was the second overall pick in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft, selected by Chivas USA.
Guzan holds a U.S. passport through his American father, though he was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois.
He saved two penalties in a shootout to help the U.S. win the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
He served as Atlanta United's captain following the retirement of Michael Parkhurst.
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