University of San Francisco men’s soccer announces Chris Brown as head coach

SAN FRANCISCO – University of San Francisco Director of Athletics Joan McDermott has announced the hiring of Chris Brown as the new men’s soccer head coach.

Brown, the former Associate Head Coach at Saint Mary’s, becomes the seventh coach in program history, following: Leonard Griffin, Eddie Soto, Erik Visser, Gus Donoghue, Bob Braghette and Stephen Negoesco. The historic program boasts five national championships and 35 West Coast Conference titles, and has produced 45 All-Americans.

“I am thrilled to announce Chris as the new men’s soccer head coach,” said McDermott. “We began this search with a number of qualities in mind, hoping to find a coach who personified most of them. Chris, remarkably, embodies them all. He comes to us directly from helping build one of the most successful programs on the West Coast with an impressive coaching resume. He has experience both playing and coaching at the professional level, and he knows the West Coast Conference and its challenges. He understands the Jesuit mission because of his time at Boston College and believes strongly in the importance of building a program’s culture on and off the field. He and his wife have put down roots and live here in the city, and he’s ready to lead the Dons through their next chapter.”

Brown comes to the Hilltop after serving two tours of duty at Adam Cooper‘s staff at Saint Mary’s. He was the associate head coach from 2011 to 2016, and again from 2019 through the spring 2021 season. Prior to that he served as an assistant coach for the NASL San Francisco Deltas.

His time in Moraga was highlighted by stellar goalkeeper play. During his tenure, the Gaels turned out seven all-league keepers, including two WCC Goalkeeper of the Year awards. Brown’s best work might have come in the development of Andre Rawls, who began his career as a walk-on and ended as the program’s first WCC keeper of the year. Rawls the became the first Gael in program history to be selected in the Major League Soccer Superdraft.

In 2019, Brown helped Gaels’ goalkeeper Remi Prieur take home WCC Goalkeeper of the Year honors in addition to being named a Second Team All-American by United Soccer Coaches Association. Prieur was drafted 47th overall in the 2020 MLS Superdraft by Sporting KC just months later.

In between stints in Moraga, Brown served as an assistant coach for the now-defunct San Francisco Deltas. His lone season with the Deltas proved to be a memorable one: they the New York Cosmos 2-0 in front of 10,000 fans at Kezar Stadium to win the NASL Soccer Bowl.

Brown guided Deltas keeper Romuald Peiser to one of the best seasons in his 20-year professional career, leading to a nomination for NASL Player of the Year.

In college, Brown was a three-year captain during his time at Boston College from 2004 to 2008. In 2007, he captained the team to the school’s first-ever ACC regular season and tournament titles. The Eagles were also the first overall seed in the NCAA that season. Brown was a member of the 2007 and 2008 All-ACC Tournament team and was named 2008 ACC Goalkeeper of the Year.

In 2007, Brown was part of the United States Olympic Team pool before the games in China. After college, Brown played professionally in Norway.

“I am humbled and honored to be named the new head coach for the University of San Francisco men’s soccer program,” said Brown. “I want thank Mike Matoso, Adam Cooper, Ryan Reggiani, and the rest of the Saint Mary’s administration, staff, and players. Thank you to Joan McDermott and Frank Allocco for their confidence in me to lead this group of talented young men at USF. I am focused and committed to building a program that is founded on strong character and a winning culture. I cannot wait to get started on the Hilltop!”