MLS Veteran Brian Dunseth Reflects on Storied Career

From being cut at 12 to winning the U.S. Open Cup, Dunseth's journey showcases the highs and lows of professional soccer.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Brian Dunseth, a California native, overcame early setbacks to become an MLS pioneer, playing for seven different teams and winning the U.S. Open Cup with the Columbus Crew. Now a commentator for Apple TV, Dunseth reflects on his manic broadcasting schedule, raising three soccer-playing sons, and the moments that defined his career.

Why it matters

Dunseth's story highlights the perseverance and resilience required to succeed in professional soccer, as well as the challenges of balancing a broadcasting career with family life. His journey also sheds light on the evolution of MLS and the opportunities it has provided for American players.

The details

Dunseth, born in 1977, started playing for the dominant Upland Celtic team in California as a youth. However, he was cut from the squad after a tournament in England at age 12, a devastating experience that only fueled his determination. He went on to excel at Damien High School and earn a spot at Cal State Fullerton, eventually signing a Project-40 (now Generation Adidas) contract and joining the New England Revolution in MLS. Dunseth's career took him to several teams, including the Miami Fusion, Columbus Crew, and Dallas Burn, where he won the U.S. Open Cup in 2002. After retiring in 2006, Dunseth has become a prominent commentator, working for outlets like Fox Soccer Channel, ESPN, and now Apple TV, while also balancing his duties as a father to three soccer-playing sons.

  • Dunseth was cut from his youth team at age 12 after a tournament in England.
  • In 1997, Dunseth became one of the first players to sign a Project-40 (now Generation Adidas) contract, fast-tracking him into MLS.
  • Dunseth won the U.S. Open Cup with the Columbus Crew in 2002.
  • Dunseth retired from professional soccer in 2006.
  • Dunseth currently works as a commentator for Apple TV, covering MLS matches.

The players

Brian Dunseth

A California native who played for seven different MLS teams during his professional career, including the New England Revolution, Miami Fusion, Columbus Crew, and Dallas Burn. He won the U.S. Open Cup with the Columbus Crew in 2002 and is now a prominent commentator for Apple TV.

Lamar Hunt

The owner of the Columbus Crew, who invested in the club and Major League Soccer. The U.S. Open Cup trophy is named after him.

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What they’re saying

“I always had seemed to find myself in situations and teams where I was good enough to play, but I wasn't good enough to be on those consistent, winning teams that challenged for titles. I never felt in my professional career like I had a coach that really believed in me, like 'that's my guy.'”

— Brian Dunseth (World Soccer Talk)

“To have the U.S. Open Cup trophy named after him, to be able to be up on that stage and get handed the trophy from the owner of the Columbus Crew in the first soccer-specific stadium with his name on it, it was really, really cool. And to be in those celebratory moments, to have him in the locker room with us, I can vividly remember going over to him and hugging him and saying, 'Without you, these opportunities don't exist. Without you, this moment is nothing more than a fantasy for a kid that grew up in Southern California with dreams and hopes and aspirations.'”

— Brian Dunseth (World Soccer Talk)

What’s next

Dunseth will continue his broadcasting work with Apple TV, covering a variety of MLS matches throughout the season. He will also balance his media commitments with supporting his three sons' ECNL soccer careers.

The takeaway

Brian Dunseth's journey from being cut at 12 to becoming an MLS pioneer and now a prominent commentator showcases the resilience and determination required to succeed in professional soccer. His story highlights the evolution of MLS and the opportunities it has provided for American players, as well as the challenges of balancing a broadcasting career with family life.