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Brennan Selected by D.C. United in MLS SuperDraft 2002
Senior Defender looks to continue career with three-time MLS Champions

Feb. 11, 2002

WASHINGTON - The dream has become a reality for American University’s Bobby Brennan (Northport, N.Y./Northport). The senior defender was selected by D.C. United in the fourth round of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) SuperDraft 2002, held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla.

Brennan, long considered a professional prospect, recently returned from the Umbro Select All-Star Soccer Classic, held in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Feb. 7-9. Brennan, who competed for the North squad, was one of the top 30 seniors to take part in the event, a pre-draft scouting combine. Prior to his involvement with the Umbro Select camp, Brennan took part in four-day mini-camp with the Dallas Burn, and was training with D.C. United.

“I am so proud and excited for Bobby” said head coach Todd West. “He has given everything of himself to this program for five years, battling back from a tough injury, to help lead us to an outstanding season. He has always carried himself in a professional manner, and I fully expect him to have a productive career.”

The 42nd selection of the MLS SuperDraft, Brennan was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas All-South Region Second Team this season. He was an integral part of American’s defense which boasted 10 shutouts, and allowed just 1.11 goals per game. Tightening its play down the stretch, American allowed just three goals in its last 850 minutes of action.

Brennan is looking forward to his opportunity with United, the former three-time MLS Champions. “I am very excited and happy for the opportunity to join the best organization in the MLS,” he said. “I am going to take it one day at a time and see how it all pans out. I plan on working as hard as I possibly can to make the most of this great chance.”

In addition to his recognition by the NSCAA, Brennan was also named to the Patriot League First Team and was chosen the Patriot League Tournament MVP after leading the Eagles to the league title.

Earning a berth in the 2001 Men’s College Cup Sweet 16, American finally feel to eventual National Champion North Carolina, 1-0, in overtime. The Eagles advanced to the Sweet 16 with consecutive wins over Ohio State (2-1), and Wake Forest (3-0), in the first two rounds.

This was American’s third trip all-time to the Sweet 16, and first since 1997. The Eagles own a 9-6 record in the NCAA Tournament, and advanced to the 1985 National Championship game where it fell to UCLA, 1-0, in an NCAA-record eight overtimes. The 2001 Patriot League champions, American went 13-7-2 overall in 2001, and 6-1-0 in league play.

American University became a full member of the Patriot League on July 1, 2001, after competing in the CAA since the 1985-86 academic year. The University, founded in 1893, fields a 19-sport Division I athletics program, featuring 10 women’s sports and nine for men.