Rob Friend

Rob Friend (born 23 January 1981) is a Canadian former soccer player.

Club career

Early years

As a teenager Friend tried many sports at a high level including volleyball, tennis, hockey, and rugby. At 17, Friend decided to concentrate on soccer. He sometimes wishes he had concentrated on soccer earlier on and sees his development as still ongoing. "Others reach a certain level at an early age, but for me I am still developing today", he says. "Therefore I'll often work on things after practice. Things that I missed out on as a youth, to help me improve. Since I decided on soccer, I become better and better and always work harder to improve myself further".

Friend played college soccer at UC Santa Barbara Gauchos. As a senior on the Santa Barbara Gauchos team, Friend scored in 12 consecutive matches which ranks fourth in NCAA history.

Norway

After he graduated, Friend was drafted in the 4th Round, 35th Overall, of the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by the Chicago Fire. But instead of playing for Chicago Fire, he decided to play in Norway. Together with fellow countryman Patrice Bernier, he was signed by Moss. In the middle of 2004, he was signed by Molde, with which he became cup champion in 2005.