Comments about ‘MLS playoffs: Utah's Braun gets to live MLS dream’

Congratulations to Justin. I graduated the same year that he did and played against him a few times. I have to say I am surprised, he was awful in HS at the club level (no offense)- apparently things have changed. What a great indicator of both his persistence and the worth of adult soccer in Utah: A chance to play the sport you love, but also an opportunity to display our state's best talent.

While I can't say much for Justin Braun when he played in HS, I can say a whole more about him now- a lot more than myself thats for sure. Well done, and well done Utah Soccer.

I have played agaisnt Braun too, didn't think he was professional stuff, makes me wonder what I could've done oh well. Congrats to him with his success.

After seeing him many times this season, he is not MLS talent. His 4 goals were unimpressive, often as a result of mistakes or the work of his talented teammates.. He seemed to spend most of his time losing the ball. It's not surprising that he was overlooked by so many coaches. I think he's peaked, and he should lock up any contract he can get from anyone right away. I think he's one of the worst forwards that gets serious playing time in MLS. He's lucky that Chivas USA had so many injury problems this season, otherwise there was no way he'd be playing. Despite all of this though, this kid really is living a dream.

I never heard of the kid before this year, but an explanation may be his physical attributes. Maybe Preki saw a young kid with size and speed whom he could mold into something.

By the way, a few people I go to the games with said the same things you guys have. "He was never that good when I played against him."

Jealous old players from Utah? Get Real. Braun is the soon to be newcomer MLS star. Every Coach in MLS is looking at him. Apparently you do not know the game or player attibutes to play.

I have played against Braun and his brother hundreds of times. Neither one is an amazing tactical player, There are plenty of equally as skilled players hanging around the murray indoor center who also could be professionals in the right setting.

However the reasons that he is now a professional are obvious. He is young, big, strong and fast, he is a perfect MLS forward. He is physical and good in the air, he is also a hardworker whoes tactical skills will improve. Quit the Hate! And look at Justin Braun going pro as a marker for the local level of play.

I am happy for this kid. I think it does show, as others have said, that there is a lot of talented players in Utah that often get overlooked by college coaches.

I find it interesting as well how players peak at different ages. There are quite a few players I know that were not that great in HS or club ball, but have become really talented players in their 20's.

Justin seems to play hard at every chance given. To join a league that plays at a high level and immediately make an impact is quite impressive. I wish Justin all the luck in Utah tom. and I hope his friends and family enjoy watching him play.

Braun has looked raw on the few times I've seen him play, but each time it has been clear he is still progressing as a player, so maybe he's a late developer in respect to the mental side of the game. My feeling is that if he can keep progressing he will eventually transition to become a solid central midfield player potentially of international standard.

Hey... congrats to the kid! I read most of the comments on the page and I couldn't help but smile at the various wannabe comments I was reading sounding something like "I was better than him in High School"... and the reality is you were probably better in your own mind and world. Bottom line is this kid chased his dreams and fate internvened. If you think he was lucky well consider this... luck comes to those who continually persist. We really do create our own luck. Thanks to Justin's example kids have a reason to keep on believing.

On a side note I have played against both Justin and his brothers and spoken with them at Soccer International... both cool down to earth guys.

Justin is a deserving player... and I wish him the best career! The only miracle of the situation is that this player came from Utah!... and anyone who knows anything about soccer knows Utah has a lot of catching up to do if they want to play with CA, AZ or TX teams.

Everyone needs to stop hating and realize he is the best talent to come out of Utah, EVER!!! A few have said they played agaisnt him in HS and he was awful??????...well then how did he lead the state in scoring and was selected first team all state both his junior and senior years? People need to grow up and quit being jealous and support the only utahn who has ever found success in the MLS. There is a reason he is starting this year and was a finalist for rookie of the year last year. I for one am proud of this utah product and what his success has done for utah soccer as a whole. There are good players here and more coaches coaches should be recruiting out of the state.