*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of November 8, 2021 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of December 21, 2015
Brandon Allen (born October 8, 1993) is an American soccer player who currently plays as a forward. Allen is the younger brother of soccer player R. J. Allen.[2]
Early career
Allen attended St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, NJ where he scored 118 goals throughout his four-year varsity career. During his time in high school he was also a member of the New York Red Bulls' academy program where he scored 28 goals during the 2010–2011 season followed by 27 goals in 2011–2012. During his tenure at Georgetown, Allen was a standout player where he earned All-American honors three times and was named as a finalist for the Hermann Trophy in 2015.[3][4] At the conclusion of his 91-game career with the Hoyas, Allen recorded 50 goals and 17 assists, making him the all-time leading scorer in school history.[5]
On December 21, 2015, Allen signed a Homegrown Contract with the New York Red Bulls, where he stated in his first interview with the club, "I've waited a long time for this, all my life, but I enjoyed my college career and a lot of my success came from my teammates and my senior class was a big part of my success so I want to thank them. I'm very excited to get started here at the Red Bulls."[7] He joins former academy and New York Red Bulls II players, Derrick Etienne and Tyler Adams as the third homegrown player signing this season, and adds to a league high of seven on the club for 2016.[8]
Allen made his professional debut for New York Red Bulls II on March 26, scoring two goals in a 2–2 draw against Toronto FC II.[9] The following week, Allen scored another goal for the club in a 2–0 victory against Louisville City FC.[10] On May 28, Allen made his first team debut, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 3–0 victory against Toronto FC.[11] On July 9, Allen scored his first professional hat trick in a 4–2 victory against FC Montreal.[12] He was later awarded as the USL Player of the Week for his performance.[13] On October 2, 2016, Long scored his sixteenth of the season to help New York Red Bulls II advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2016 USL Playoffs in a 4–0 victory over Orlando City B.
[14] In the following match against Rochester Rhinos, Allen scored two goals, including a 119th minute pk equalizer which sent the match to a penalty shootout, which New York won 5–4 to advance to the Eastern Conference Final of the 2016 USL Cup Playoffs.[15] On October 23, Allen recorded a hat trick and provided an assist in leading New York to a 5–1 victory over Swope Park Rangers in the
2016 USL Cup Final. For his performance he was named USL Cup Final MVP.[16] On October 18, 2016, Allen was named to the 2016 USL All-League First Team after leading New York with 21 goals in all competitions.[17] On November 3, 2016, it was announced that Allen was voted as the 2016 USL Rookie of the Year.[18]
In July 2017, Allen secured a loan move to Minnesota United FC until the conclusion of the 2017 season.[20] Looking for more playing time, Allen would only register one league appearance for the Loons.
On May 22, 2018, USL side Nashville SC announced they had paid a transfer fee for Brandon Allen.[22] On November 14, 2018, Nashville announced that they had not re-signed Allen for the 2019 season.[23]
Tampa Bay Rowdies
On December 5, 2018, Allen signed with USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies.[24] Allen scored one league goal for the Rowdies, on April 24, against Atlanta United 2. Allen also scored in each of the Rowdies two U.S. Open Cup matches.
Memphis 901 FC
On June 26, 2019, Allen was acquired by USL Championship expansion team Memphis 901 FC. At the time of his signing, Memphis sat last in the league in goals scored.
Oakland Roots
On June 28, 2021, Allen signed with USL Championship side Oakland Roots.[25]
International career
Allen represented the United States at multiple levels including the U-18 and U-20 squads.[26]