Filed under: MLS, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team, Chivas USA, United States
CARSON, CA -- Justin Braun's story sounds like something from a Hollywood movie.
In January 2008, the Salt Lake City native arrives at the Home Depot Center to play with the Utah select team in the George F. Donnelly Cup, a nationwide amateur tournament organized by the United States Adult Soccer Association. While there, he is spotted by then Chivas USA Head Coach Preki, who invites him to the Goats' preseason.
To that point, his career highlight was a successful stint at Salt Lake Community College. He wasn't recruited by anyone else. But amazingly, Braun is signed to a developmental contract by Chivas. He scores five goals and notches two assists in his first season, while earning just $12,900.
Fast forward to 2010, and Braun, 23, is enjoying a breakout campaign. He has tallied nine goals and tallied three assists in a year that's seen him log the third-most game minutes of any field player on the squad. He was MLS Player of the Week for the first time in his career in July, and has gotten a nice raise -- he's now earning $67,500.
"It's definitely been a good season for me," Braun told FanHouse on Tuesday. "I'm a forward, so I'm supposed to be scoring goals. It builds your confidence and makes you want to keep going and score more."
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