Brandon Allen
- Years with club: 2017 (Loan)
- Position: Forward
Brandon Allen joined Minnesota United in July 2017 on a loan deal from the New York Red Bulls for the remainder of the MLS season. A Homegrown Player product of the Red Bulls academy, Allen arrived with a strong goal-scoring reputation from the USL (now USL Championship), where he had been named the 2016 USL Rookie of the Year and USL Cup MVP after scoring 21 goals for New York Red Bulls II. He was brought to Minnesota to provide depth and an alternative attacking option behind MLS veterans. However, playing time was extremely limited during his short spell with the Loons.
Key stats:
- MLS regular season appearances: 1
- Goals: 0
- USL Accolades (Pre-MNUFC): 2016 USL Rookie of the Year, 2016 USL Cup MVP, USL All-League First Team.
Memorable moments:
- MLS cameo: Allen’s sole MLS appearance for the club came as a late-game substitute, only totaling nine minutes of playing time for the Loons. His lack of playing time was primarily due to the established forwards ahead of him on the depth chart.
- Highly decorated loan: Despite his lack of impact in Minnesota, his loan move was highly anticipated due to his exceptional track record of goal-scoring in the USL, establishing him as one of the most decorated players in the league’s history at the time.
Where are they now?:
- Following the end of his loan and the 2017 MLS season, his option was declined by the New York Red Bulls, and he continued his career in the USL.
- He went on to play for several USL Championship clubs, including Bethlehem Steel, Nashville SC, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Memphis 901 FC, and Oakland Roots SC.
- Brandon Allen officially retired from professional soccer in December 2021.
