The Bakersfield Brigade, Bakersfield’s own Premier Development League (PDL) soccer team, announced today that Brigade players Desmond Brooks, Lyle Martin, and Kyle Reynish were selected in Major League Soccer’s 2007 Supplemental Draft. These are the first Brigade players to be selected to compete at the top professional level within the United States.

 

"We are very excited and proud of these 3 exceptional players, who now have the opportunity to showcase their soccer talent and skills to the world," stated Brigade General Manager, Joe Jimenez. “Just think how excited those kids are that came out to our games and can now say they have professional players’ autographs," added Jimenez. Defender, Desmond Brooks, was the 2^nd player taken overall in the Supplemental Draft by the Chivas USA. He played his collegiate soccer at St. Mary’s College. Desmond could be found anchoring down the defensive unit for the Brigade in 2006. "I always dreamed of playing professionally when my collegiate career was over, but nothing is ever guaranteed," Brooks said. "I knew if I worked hard good things were going to happen. I am relieved that all the hard work paid off and I'm extremely grateful to all my coaches." Brigade and California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) Forward , Lyle Martin, was the 33^rd pick in this draft and also went to Chivas USA, while Brigade and University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Goalkeeper, Kyle Reynish, was selected 43^rd overall by Real Salt Lake. Martin is a local Bakersfield talent that has been scouted by many MLS teams over the last year. Reynish was the starting Goalkeeper at UCSB and ended his 2006 collegiate campaign with a Division I National Championship. All three players will compete for roster spots on their respective MLS teams this spring when the 2007 season kicks off.

 

The Bakersfield Brigade Soccer Club Franchise is a PDL team, playing within the United Soccer Leagues’ PDL Southwestern Conference which is made up of ten teams throughout California. League play begins in April and goes through July 2007.