RED NATION SPEAKS TO ROB FRIEND Canada - Feature | Posted on Aug 19/09 by Steven Bottjer

Born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, Rob Friend grew up in Kelowna, British Columbia where he, by football standards, came into the sport late. It was not until he was in his late teens that he began to focus on football, but despite this was able to advance into the collegiate level in the United States. He played at Western Michigan University from 1999-2000, but made his mark in the next two seasons at the University of California Santa Barbara. In his first season, Friend scored 11 goals and was named the Big West’s Co-Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Big West. His second season saw him record a school record 20 goals, was named an All-American, and helped lead the Gauchos to their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. It was also during his time in University that he became noticed and was picked to represent Canada in the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina.

After finishing his time at UCSB, Friend became the first player in their program history to be drafted by an MLS team by being selected in the fourth round of the 2003 SuperDraft by the Chicago Fire. This same year Friend began his international career, earning his first senior start for the Canadian Men’s National Team. Instead of remaining in North America to play club football, he decided to make a move to Europe. He played with Norwegian side Moss F.K., where after a season and a half then moved to Molde F.K. as he participated in their winning run of the 2005 Norwegian Football Cup. The following season, Friend was transferred to SC Heerenveen of Holland’s Eredivisie. After tallying five goals in nineteen games, he was loaned out to Heracles Almelo who had just regained promotion into the Dutch top flight. Despite helping them retain their status in the league, his services were no longer needed and he was transferred.

In 2007 he was sold to Borussia Monchengladbach, who at that time were playing in the 2nd Bundesliga. In 2007/08, Friend had an outstanding season where he tallied 18 goals that lead Monchengladbach to finish first in the league and gain promotion back into the Bundesliga. This was also a notable year for him internationally as he contributed to Canada’s impressive 2007 Gold Cup run that saw them reach the semi-finals, and leading up to 2010 World Cup Qualifying scored a goal in a friendly against Brazil.

The 2008/09 season saw Friend and Monchengladbach almost go straight back down to 2nd Bundesliga as they struggled to keep above the bottom three. He scored in his first game against VfB Stuttgart, but because of a heel injury did not finish the season and managed only seven goals in his first season in the top division. Monchengladbach finished in 15th position in the table, missing relegation by only one point.

Die Fohlen
By his own admission, Friend was unaware of Monchengladbach’s history and prestige before transferring over in 2007. Knowing the level of attendance and fanaticism that existed in Germany, he was somewhat surprised to find he had landed at one of the league’s best supported, and most successful clubs.

After Bayern Munich, Borussia Monchengladbach holds the honour of winning the second most Bundesliga titles. Their form began in the 1960s under head coach Hennes Weisweiler, who put together a youthful, attack-oriented side who would go toe-to-toe with powerhouse Bayern Munich. Their time in the sun was during the 1970s, which is known as their ‘Golden Decade’. During this decade, many remember the likes of Ajax with Cruyff, Neeskens and Swart, or Bayern Munich with Beckenbauer and Muller. Although Monchengladbach did not experience the same European success, only making it to 1977 European Cup final where they lost to Liverpool, domestically they were on par with Bayern Munich, who some call the greatest team ever. Their answer to Beckenbauer and Muller was Gunter Netzer, Jupp Heynckes, and Berti Vogts. These players lead them to five league titles, two UEFA Cups and a German Cup, as well and numerous runners-up positions.

After the 1970s, players were sold to balance the books and influential coaches departed. Monchengladbach’s form slid downwards as they found themselves mid-table through the 80s and into the late 90s where they finally spiraled into relegation. Since then they have battled with promotion, relegation, and dealing with a new head coach almost every season for the past ten years.

Coming into the 2009-10 season, Michael Frontzeck has taken the helm at Borussia Park, hoping to instill the winning attitude that he played with at VfB Stuttgart during their 1992 Championship season. He has brought in several new faces to help push the team into better fortunes, notably Juan Arango, Dante and Raul Bobadilla. Bobadilla, 22, of Argentinian descent, played the last two seasons with Zurich’s Grasshopper where last season he was shortlisted as Swiss League player of the year. Arango is one of Venezuela’s most successful players, switching over from La Liga’s Mallorca where he spent the last five seasons. Dante was a integral part of Belgium’s Standard Liege’s championship campaign and defensive core that in 2007/08 allowed only 19 goals in 34 matches.

Friend believes that they have in place a club that can contend for a EUROPA-League spot. After blowing a 3-0 half-time lead to draw Bochum 3-3 in the season opener, Monchengladbach came back in week two to defeat a strong Hertha Berlin 2-1.

With his injury nearly healed, it will be interesting to see and follow how Friend and Monchengladbach fare in the 2009/10 season, hopefully moving up the table and continuing to develop as one of Canada’s most successful international goal-scorers.

Rob Friend Video:

Borussia Mönchengladbach - Inter Mailand 1971: