MLS goalkeeper and Homer Glen native Brad Guzan inspiring generations of athletes

NEW LENOX, Ill. - Soccer legend Lionel Messi, on Tuesday, played his second MLS game following his exhilarating debut for Inter Miami on Friday, but in the suburbs, all eyes were on Atlanta United goalkeeper and Homer Glen native, Brad Guzan, who is inspiring generations of athletes.

At Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox – where Guzan once spent hours practicing, playing, and developing his soccer skills – students, coaches, and community members gathered to watch the match.

"I used to tell the media, and all the coaches that would listen to me that he’s not just an ‘All-Stater,’ he’s an ‘All-Stater’ at every position on the field, not just goal tender," said Johnny Kovatch, assistant soccer coach, Providence Catholic High School.

The watch party was free to youth soccer players and their families who looked on as the 2003 graduate faced off against the sport’s greatest player.

"It’s a really big moment for our school," said Luke McAllister, Providence Catholic High School student.

"It’s been amazing to experience," said Gabriella Savarino, student and soccer player.

"It’s very rare, it’s just motivational," said Jovanny Gonzalez, who also plays soccer for Providence Catholic High School.

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Guzan, a professional goalkeeper, has played on two World Cup teams and has more than 250 starts in the MLS with Atlanta United.

"The first day I saw him come out to the practice field, I looked at my assistant coach and said, who is this kid," said Kovatch. "He was on a whole other level, you could tell at 14 years old."

Kovatch, who coached Guzan during his high school career, and Providence Catholic’s current head soccer coach, Michael Taylor, hosted the event and described it as an opportunity to build on being a team.

"It’s not just one player who plays the game, it’s a whole team," said Karen Guzan, Brad Guzan’s mom.

Additionally, it was a chance for students to look for inspiration from some of the best.

"If he can do it, why can't I. And that's the thing I've said to kids, if you don't dream, how can you attain things, so this will keep them dreaming," said Taylor. 
Guzan and his wife, Breanne, met while attending Providence Catholic High School. She joined the watch party via Zoom during halftime to chat with those in attendance.

"It’s just been amazing to see him fulfill all of his dreams that he’s had for himself as a young child, and now we have children of our own to see that, and it’s just amazing that you could really want something and achieve it," said Breanne Guzan.

The night was a highlight, not only for the high school’s coaches and current students, but also for Guzan’s own mom.

"When Brad was about 13, he turned to me and said, I’d like to be a professional soccer player. Well, I’d like to tell all parents out there to listen to their children, because dreams do come true," said Karen Guzan.

Inter Miami won Tuesday’s match against Atlanta United 4-0, but despite the loss, Guzan’s supporters left the event feeling energized.

Meanwhile, Messi will be in the Windy City in October to take on the Chicago Fire soccer team.

One lucky winner who attended the watch party took home two tickets to that game.