CARSON, Calif. – Justin Braun’s story sounds like something straight out of a Hollywood movie.
It’s January 2008, and the Salt Lake City native arrives at the Home Depot Center to play with the Utah Select Team in the George F. Donnelly Cup, an amateur tournament organized by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).
While he’s there he catches the eye of Chivas USA head coach Preki, who invites him to the Goats’ preseason. Braun promptly makes the team, scores five goals and notches two assists in his first season and becomes a vital piece in the Red-and-White puzzle.
Flash-forward to 2010, and Braun has become one of the most consistent players in the Goats lineup. He currently leads the team with six goals in all competitions and has appeared in 13 of the teams’ 14 matches this season.
“From day one, I’ve tried to be a big factor and go out and do what I can to help this team win,” said Braun. “Besides Jonny [Bornstein], I’m one of the guys with the most caps for Chivas USA, so I’m trying to take on more of a leadership role and push this team forward.”
Braun has made a name for himself with his tireless work ethic and physical approach in the box. And at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, he is an imposing force for any defender to deal with.
“I always try to go out there and give everything I have,” Braun said. “I’ve got some speed that can be used when I’m getting forward into the box and taking players on. I have the height, too, so balls sent into the area is one of my strengths.”
“This year, I’ve worked a lot on my first touch and that’s helped my game tremendously,” he added. “To be able to hold the ball up and bring other players forward is a great thing to be able to do.”
Braun’s improvements haven’t gone unnoticed. The 23-year-old was invited to US National Team camp in January in Los Angeles for the first time this year, and is looking to continue playing at that level as his career continues.
“It was a great experience for me,” Braun said. “I learned a lot and was able to play with some of the better guys in the league. To get into the National Team, I need to play consistently, keep scoring goals and do my thing each week. I know there’s a friendly some time in August and my goal is to hopefully get into the camp for that.”
Until then, he’s focused on helping Chivas USA climb out of the Western Conference basement.
“I know we can turn this thing around,” he said. “And for me personally, I want to take on a little more of the leadership, speak up more, to help us do that."
