April 4, 2008

(Carson, CA) - Playing in just his second MLS regular season match, former USF standout Brandon McDonald earned his first career start for the LA Galaxy in its 2008 home opener Thursday night at the Home Depot Center. McDonald assisted LA to a 2-0 triumph against the San Jose Earthquakes.

In front of a sellout crowd of 27,000 people, McDonald started alongside international soccer legend David Beckham and US National Team star Landon Donovan. McDonald played all 90 minutes for the Galaxy and the defender recorded a pair of shots, including one to the far post requiring a save by Quakes keeper Joe Cannon.

"We worked extremely hard to get a really good result," Galaxy head coach Ruud Gullit said. "I want to give a compliment, especially to the youngsters. Sean did incredibly well. Brandon McDonald was excellent also."

A fourth round selection by Los Angeles in the 2008 MLS Superdraft, McDonald is the first USF soccer player to start a regular season match since former US Olympian Troy Dayak started seven matches for the Earthquakes in 2005.

"I am extremely proud of Brandon," said USF head coach Erik Visser, who flew down to attend the match. "For him to contribute in a 2-0 shutout and play all 90 minutes alongside two of the top players in the MLS is an outstanding compliment."

During his standout career on the Hilltop, McDonald appeared in 71 matches with 70 starts, scoring 11 goals off 102 shots with seven assists for 29 points. In his penultimate match in the Green and Gold, he scored his 11th career goal in USF's 4-0 shutout of Loyola Marymount.

Los Angeles returns to action Sunday, April 13 when it hosts Toronto. Match time is set for noon at the Home Depot Center.