Tuesday, March 18

'El Guzano' begins return to training

Major League Soccer's 2007 Goalkeeper of the Year, Brad Guzan, began his gradual return to training Tuesday afternoon, after suffering a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his left knee during a practice session on March 3, prior to the team's departure for Texas.

The 24-year-old netminder practiced today with the rest of Chivas USA's 'keepers for the first time in two weeks, under the direction of Goalkeeper Coach Leo Percovich. Guzan did not participate in Chivas USA's intra-squad scrimmage, but instead took part in a special session with Percovich that included a lighthearted game of futvolei, or soccer tennis. (See photo above.)

Guzan is making gradually recovery from an injury that kept him out of Chivas USA's three matches in the Texas Pro Soccer Festival in San Antonio, plus a scrimmage against San Diego State and this past weekend's exhibition match against the Fresno Fuego.

“I’m feeling good. Hopefully in the next few days, I’m going to start getting back with the full team," said Guzan. "I’m back to training where I’m able to train as a goalkeeper but at the same time I’m not able to play in small sided games. ... Hopefully that will come in a day or two.”

Chivas USA will face Cal State Fullerton in a scrimmage Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. PT on Field 6 at The Home Depot Center.