FRISCO, Texas – A suggestion from goalkeepers coach Remi Roy laid the foundation for Ryan Guy’s start at forward in Saturday night’s 3-1 win over the LA Galaxy.
Guy had already appeared on both wings and as a makeshift right back in the first three games of the season, but Roy proposed the 26-year-old’s skill set might be suited for a role up top. Guy trained at the forward position throughout the week leading up to the Galaxy match and sufficiently impressed to earn a starting spot alongside Saer Sène.
“We trained him up top [last] week and he was flying there,” said head coach Jay Heaps. “Ryan was excellent (against LA); all over the place. He won all the first balls, he was there for the second ball and he created a great little bit of space on the side for the first goal and then again for the third goal.”
It was the first time Guy appeared in such an advanced position for the Revolution, but it wasn’t the former St. Patrick’s Athletic star’s first career turn as a forward. Guy estimates he made approximately 25 percent of his appearances in Ireland as a striker and it was that experience which paved the way for his inspired performance against the Galaxy.
“Typically I played kind of like I did [in LA] with a big man next to me and it tended to work out, which was nice for me to get another position,” said Guy. “When Jay came to me [last] week and asked me if I’d be willing and able to play [forward], I jumped at the opportunity.
“I really like getting in front of the goal,” he continued. “I like trying to win the ball in the air and I thought those assets helped us [against the Galaxy].”
Guy’s calm presence in the locker room has been an asset to the Revolution since the California native signed with the club last June, but in recent weeks he’s proven his contributions on the field can be just as influential. Energetic for the full 90 minutes, it was Guy’s clever turn and cross which set up the third goal against LA as Sène’s header put the result beyond doubt midway through the second half.
“He’s a great locker room guy,” said Heaps. “He’s a leader in the locker room; guys look to him. I think the more he plays, the better it shows. [Saturday night] was a really good night for him and I was happy for him.”
After impressing in a forward role, Guy may well have earned himself a spot in the Revolution’s lineup once again for Thursday night’s meeting with FC Dallas. But should he start in another position – or on the bench – Guy’s prepared to contribute in whichever manner he’s called upon.
“With the players that we have, Jay made a decision and it’s my job to go with that decision,” said Guy. “Hopefully with the result [against LA] that’s proven that both the personnel and the coaching staff are doing well right now.”
