PORTLAND, Ore. --- Brandon McNeil, a former defender for the Pilots, has joined the University of Portland soccer coaching staff as an assistant, announced Director of Soccer Bill Irwin. McNeil comes to UP after one season as head coach of the girls soccer team at Lincoln High School in downtown Portland.

"We are happy to have Brandon on board," Irwin said. "As a former player he is aware of the expectations of the team and its needs. He is a great addition to the coaching staff."

"I am extremely excited to be back with the Pilots," said McNeil. "This is an amazing opportunity to work and coach at the school where I played."

In his one season at the helm of the Cardinals, McNeil led the team to the Oregon 6A State Championship and was named the state coach of the year. Lincoln finished the 2007 season with a perfect 18-0 record to claim the school’s first state title in girls soccer. Previously, McNeil was an assistant coach for the Sunset H.S. (Portland, Ore.) boys soccer team for three years (2004-06).

A coach at F.C. Portland since 2003, McNeil is currently the Director of the Junior Academy, is the U-14 boys coordinator and coaches the U-13 Boys Bronze Team. He has also been the Program Assistant for F.C. since 2005.

McNeil (1998-2001) was a four-year starter for the Pilots and earned All-West Coast Conference honors as a senior. Originally from San Diego, Calif., McNeil scored two goals and handed out 17 assists during his career on The Bluff. He helped the Pilots reach the NCAA postseason twice, advancing to the third round in 2001.