Brian Mullan
A hard-working midfielder who helped the Galaxy win two titles before being traded in 2003.
Brian Mullan was drafted 10th overall by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft. He made his professional debut on April 7, 2001, as a substitute in a 3–1 loss to the Kansas City Wizards. On May 9, he scored his first two pro goals in a 4–4 draw with the Tampa Bay Mutiny. After ankle surgery ended his regular season, he returned for the playoffs, recording an assist in the series-winning game against the Chicago Fire. He was not in the 18-man squad for MLS Cup 2001 as LA defeated San Jose 2–1 in overtime, but he was also not in the 18-man squad for the 2001 U.S. Open Cup final as LA defeated New England 2–1 for the club's first title. In 2002, he scored one goal and added two assists in 20 appearances (including playoffs), helping the Galaxy win the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup. Although he had played as a striker previously, coach Sigi Schmid moved him to right midfield, where Cobi Jones held the starting spot.
- Nationality
- American
- Time at Club
- 2001–2002
- Previous Club
- Creighton University (College)
- Role
- Right Midfielder / Striker
- Key Attribute
- Work Rate, Hustle, Determination
- Status
- Retired
Lore & Background
Brian Mullan was known for his work rate, hustle, and determination rather than flash. While he played as a striker throughout his youth and college career, Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid felt he was better suited to play as a right midfielder. However, because Cobi Jones occupied that position and the Galaxy were not willing to trade him, Schmid began looking to move Mullan.
In Their Own Story
In MLS Cup 2001, Los Angeles fell to the San Jose Earthquakes 2–1, with Mullan appearing off the bench. In the 2001 U.S. Open Cup final, he came on as a substitute to help LA defeat the New England Revolution 2–1. During the 2002 playoffs, he appeared in all three games of the semifinals against the Chicago Fire and recorded an assist on Mauricio Cienfuegos's sudden death, series-winning goal in extra time.
Reader's Guide
Mullan joined the Galaxy as a striker but was converted to right midfield by coach Sigi Schmid. His tenure included two MLS Cup wins (2001 runner-up, 2002 champion) and one Supporters' Shield. He recorded his first career assist against the Rapids in his second game and scored his first two pro goals against Tampa Bay Mutiny. He left the club after the 2002 season because he could not displace Cobi Jones.
Did You Know?
- Mullan scored a hat-trick and had one assist in the 5A Colorado State Championship game in 1996.
- He led Creighton University to their only NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament final appearance in school history.
- In 2001, he recorded an assist on Mauricio Cienfuegos's sudden-death, series-winning goal against the Chicago Fire.
- Mullan is one of several players to have won MLS Cup four times.
- He earned four caps for the United States national team between 2004 and 2007.
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