Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan was sent off Wednesday night in the 34th minute of his team’s match against Sporting Kansas City. 22-year-old backup Paul Christensen replaced Guzan and midfielder Héctor “Tito” Villalba came off the pitch.
The official issued Guzan’s red card for “denial of obvious goal scoring opportunity” after he rushed out of the penalty box to meet SKC’s Khiry Shelton one on one. Guzan challenged Shelton and took him out at the ankles without touching the ball.
The game, which features the No. 1 team in the East versus No. 1 in the West, was scoreless at halftime. Atlanta will now try to hold onto at least a point at home while playing the entire second half with 10 men. The Five Stripes also will have a tough road trip to Orlando City, No. 3 in the East, Sunday without Guzan.
