Former Pilots soccer star returns

ABBY HAIGHT

The Oregonian

Chris Brown plays for Real Salt Lake of MLS in an exhibition against the UP men at Merlo Field

Chris Brown knows his emotions will be strong when he steps onto Merlo Field tonight with his Real Salt

Lake teammates.

So much of Brown's life was shaped there. He forged his career as a professional soccer player wearing the purple of the University of Portland. He grew as a person under the mentorship of the late Clive Charles.

"It's going to be really exciting," Brown said this week as his Major League Soccer team continued its final days of training before the start of the season. "I haven't played at the University of Portland for seven years. And it's always fun to play on Merlo."

And it's more so for Brown.

The exhibition is a benefit for the Clive Charles Foundation for cancer research and to develop the Clive Charles Soccer Complex.

"Clive is probably the best coach I ever had," Brown said. "He probably taught me more about discipline, hard work, being accountable for your actions, not only on the soccer field but in life.

"The great thing about him was it was more than just soccer. It was about life. He'll definitely be on my mind."

A Portland native, Brown played youth soccer for Charles, helped lead Jesuit to four consecutive Oregon Class 4A championships and played in the NCAA final four as a Portland freshman. A national player of the year finalist as a senior, Brown played for the U.S. Soccer U-23 team before being drafted by the Kansas City Wizards in 1999.

"I got drafted by Kansas City and went to a team that had three or four guys I had watched growing up," Brown, 28, said. "Tony Meola. Alexi Lalas. I was definitely star-struck.

"It takes a year or two before you really make that transition. It's such a faster-paced game. It takes a while to get used to. It's a huge step from college and a pretty big step from (United Soccer Leagues) First Division."

The midfielder/forward has enjoyed a solid pro career. His four-plus seasons at Kansas City included the 2000 MLS Cup title. After trades to New England and then San Jose, Brown was selected by Real Salt Lake in the 2004 MLS expansion draft.

Brown scored a goal and had an assist in 25 starts for the infant franchise last season. He is confident the team will better its 5-22-5 record from last year.

"The coach and management have done a good job in making good trades, bringing in veteran guys," he said. "We've made ourselves a lot better. You can see that already."