CARSON, Calif. -- Former Bradley All-American Gavin Glinton made his 2007 Major League Soccer debut Sunday for the Los Angeles Galaxy as a second-half substitute, meaning three former Braves saw MLS action during Father's Day weekend. Bryan Namoff played all 90 minutes for D.C. United against Chicago Saturday, while Tim Regan also played all 90 minutes Saturday against Kansas City.
Glinton, who re-signed with the Galaxy during the offseason after a stellar 2006 season with the USL First Division Charleston Battery, missed the first 21/2 months of this season with a groin injury, which required surgery in Germany last month. Glinton checked into Sunday's game against Real Salt Lake in the 79th minute and nearly scored his first MLS goal in four years just four minutes later when he got in behind the defense for a near-post blast that was saved by Rimando. The Galaxy earned a 3-2 win against Real Salt Lake Sunday, ending a six-game winless streak (0-4-2).
The only four-time All-American in Bradley Athletics and Missouri Valley Conference soccer history, Glinton was a second-round selection by the Galaxy in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft, but injuries have short-circuited his pro career. His 2002 rookie season was cut short by a broken ankle and injuries also ended his 2003 season early after he was traded to Dallas. Glinton ultimately returned to Peoria, working as an assistant for the Braves during the 2005 season, before returning to the pro ranks with the Battery last season.
Namoff had the same groin surgery as Glinton two years ago and he has been a defensive force for United since returning to action last season. After enjoying his first action with the U.S. National Team in a February friendly against Denmark, Namoff has played all 900 minutes in United's 10 MLS games this season. After a slow start, United is unbeaten in its last seven games (5-0-2), including Saturday's 3-1 home win against the Chicago Fire.
Regan's 2007 season with the Red Bulls also started late due to preseason hip surgery. Making just his third appearance of the season Saturday, Regan played all 90 minutes in New York's 3-3 tie against Kansas City, helping the Red Bulls maintain a one-point lead on the Wizards for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Each of the three former Braves are scheduled to venture back to the area once toward the end of the 2007 MLS season. New York will visit Chicago Sept. 15 (7:30 p.m.) and United will follow Sept. 23 (2 p.m.), while Los Angeles will close the regular season by visiting Chicago Oct. 21 (2 p.m.). For Bradley fans unable to make their way to Toyota Park, the Galaxy is slated for five national telecasts on ESPN2, while New York and D.C. both have three upcoming ESPN2 telecasts. Two of the ESPN2 broadcasts will feature a pair of Braves: Aug. 9 when Los Angeles visits United and Oct. 18 when New York visits the Galaxy.
