Rob Friend

Rob Friend (born 23 January 1981, Rosetown, Saskatchewan) is a Canadian football (soccer) Striker (football) from Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. He currently plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Fußball-Bundesliga.

As a teenager Friend tried many sports at a high level including volleyball, tennis, hockey, rugby. At 17, Friend decided to concentrate on soccer. He sometimes wishes he 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 University of California, Santa Barbara. As a senior on the UCSB soccer team, Friend scored in 12 consecutive matches which ranks 4th in NCAA history.

After he graduated, Friend was drafted in the 4th Round, 35th Overall, of the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by the Chicago Fire (soccer). Instead of playing for the Fire, he decided to play in Norway. Together with fellow countryman Patrice Bernier, he was signed by Moss F.K. In the middle of 2004, he was signed by Molde F.K where he played 6 matches and scored 2 goals.

Before the expiration of his contract with Molde F.K, he was transferred to SC Heerenveen on a 4 year contract. After making 19 appearances with Heerenveen and scoring 5 goals, he was loaned to Heracles Almelo to conclude the 2006/2007 season. On 3 February 2007, Friend played his first Eredivisie match for Heracles Almelo against Willem II Tilburg. He helped the team retain their status in the Eredivisie by scoring 3 goals in 12 games for Heracles. Despite his contributions, Heerenveen deemed him surplus to requirements and transferred him on to Borussia Mönchengladbach.

During the Second Fußball-Bundesliga 2007-08 Friend scored 18 goals in 33 matches, making him Borussia Mönchengladbach's top scorer and the second top scorer in Bundesliga 2. His team finished first, and were promoted to the Bundesliga.

On August 17, 2008, Friend scored in his very first game in the Bundesliga, against VfB Stuttgart.

International career

Friend has represented Canada men's national soccer team at the U-20, U-23, and senior levels. He saw action in the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship, as well as the 2004 CONCACAF Men Pre-Olympic Tournament.

Friend made his debut with the senior international team on 18 January 2003 in a friendly with the United States. Since then, he has been capped 19 times by his country, scoring twice.

International Goals