• Started all four 2008 MLS Cup playoff games, including win over New York in the final
• Four of his six goals in 2008 were game-winners, including one in playoffs
• Coach Sigi Schmid: "Brad is a very steady midfielder who also gets forward for goals."

MLS Experience

2008: Played in 26 games, starting 18, for the MLS Cup champions. Started and played the full 90 minutes in all four playoff games for Columbus. Scored the game-winning goal in 2-0 semifinal second leg win over Kansas City (11/8). Scored five goals and added one assist during regular season, finishing fourth on team in scoring. The first goal of his MLS career was the  game-winner at San Jose (5/10).

2007: Selected in the second round of the SuperDraft (15th overall) by Columbus. Appeared in four games, starting one. Made first career start at New York (5/19). Made MLS and Crew debut vs. New York (4/7). Started all four reserve division appearances.

College

Scored a school-record 31 goals during his four years for UC Irvine. Also graduated as Anteaters’ career leader in game-winning goals (10) and total points (73). Most decorated player in school history, earning Big West Offensive Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006 and All-America as senior. All-Big West his final three seasons.

High School/Club

Scored 54 goals in four seasons at Phoenix’s Mountain Pointe High School. All-state and team captain his junior and senior seasons. Played 10 seasons for Tempe Warriors club. Member of U.S. U-20 National Team, coached by Sigi Schmid, that finished 11th at the 2005 World Youth Championships in Holland. 

Social science major with minor in education. The son of Dawn and Tom Grippando. One brother and two sisters. Favorite soccer memory was winning the MLS Cup in 2008.