Brad Guzan returns to Atlanta United after being released from USMNT’s Gold Cup roster

Atlanta United received some good news on Sunday as U.S. Soccer announced six changes to the United States men’s national team Gold Cup roster as the team heads into the knockout rounds. Brad Guzan was one of the six players replaced by head coach Bruce Arena. After starting two group matches, he’s been sent back to Atlanta to rejoin his new club ahead of the resumption of the MLS season.

The timing is great for the Five Stripes as they found out they’d be without starting goalkeeper Alec Kann for up to six weeks with a quad injury just before this two-week break. Guzan signed a pre-contract with Atlanta United in January and after finishing up his commitments with Middlesbrough he’s joined the club officially now that the summer transfer window is open.

While it’s not official, you’d have to believe that he’ll be in line to make his club debut on Friday when Atlanta United travel down to Florida for their first ever meeting with Orlando City in what is expected to develop into sort of a rivalry match. One of the club’s back-ups’ Kyle Reynish started the last match before the break and picked up a win, however, common sense would lead us to believe that Guzan will take over the reins as soon as he’s ready.