AMSTERDAM – Fresh from 70 impressive minutes in a 7-1 exhibition loss to Manchester United, St. Pat's attacker Ryan Guy says he had the time of his life facing the mighty Red Devils in a packed house on Aug. 4.
The San Diego native was chosen to play for the Irish top flight Airtricity League XI at the opening of Dublin's Aviva Stadium, locally known as the new Landsdowne Road.
"It was definitely an experience," Guy told MLSsoccer.com. "Not only to be playing United, but also to be one of the first 22 footballers to ever play in the brand new Aviva stadium. The almost 50,000 fans was fantastic as well, definitely the most I've ever played in front of."
Guy, who was allowed to skip St. Pat's 2-0 weekend win over Drogheda United to appear in the friendly, was quite pleased to hold his own against Man. United.
"If anything, I used this opportunity as a test to see if I could compete with the best in the world," said Guy. "I feel that I held my own, kept the ball when I needed to, and didn't look out of place.
"Ultimately, I was assured that it is United's level of fitness and technique that I aspire to, and after having the opportunity to be their opposition I'd like to think that it is within reach. I will undoubtedly remember that day forever."
Guy gets back to action for Irish leaders St. Pats with a Friday visit to cellar dwellers Bray Wanderers.
