Author: Zach Heerwagen
When forward Marcus Brandford (senior) came to Occidental, a new regime had replaced the coaching staff that recruited him, and the men’s soccer program had a reputation for being more recreational than competitive.
But the Tigers have come a long way during Brandford’s career. They posted a 9-8 record last season, a dramatic improvement from their 4-12 mark the season prior to his arrival.
“When I got here, we were just a step above Caltech in the league standings,” Brandford said. “I remember my freshman season we had five or six players from my class start. Coach Rod [Lafaurie] has really turned things around though, and we’re a far more organized team now.”
Although the team has played many close games this season, they have struggled to close out opponents. Brandford attributed the slow start to younger players still acclimating to the pace of collegiate soccer, saying that the squad is still in the process of putting the pieces together.
“It has been a fulfilling experience growing with the program and helping the team through a rebuilding process,” Brandford said. “Just being older, you have to take more leadership and responsibility on the team. And our goals as a team are certainly to make the SCIAC playoffs and just keep winning from there.”
Brandford’s greatest asset on the field is his speed, which he uses to beat defenders when he gets one-on-one opportunities. He has recorded two goals so far this season and has a large impact through facilitating plays on offense.
Lafaurie offered only praises when talking about his star forward.
“He’s always had the physical tools, but what we’ve noticed is that every progressive year, he’s taken the responsibility of being an on-the-field leader more seriously,” he said. “This season, he’s really embraced the role of being the focal point in everything we do.”
Brandord grew up in Seattle, Wash. and has been playing soccer since his early youth, joining his first club team at age 11. His favorite moment of his high-school career was a game-winning goal as a sophomore to win the league championship on the way to the state semifinals. As a junior, he was named league MVP and was selected to Washington’s all-state team as a senior, leading his team to a league championship.
Brandford began visiting colleges in the Los Angeles area early in his high school career, traveling along with his older brother and older sister, the latter of which was a member of Pomona’s track team. Something clicked when he visited Occidental, and he began talking to the coaches as soon as he was a junior and could be recruited.
Brandford was originally deferred from Occidental and had even placed his deposit to Chapman before being admitted off Occidental’s wait list and changing his plans immediately.
An Urban and Environmental Policy (UEP) major, Brandford is looking to get into the real estate and affordable housing industry after he graduates. In addition, he has an interest in graphic design and is always working on projects for friends who need help.
His teammates and coaches have noticed his exceptional work ethic and leadership ability.
“[Brandford] is a great natural leader because everybody looks up to him,” teammate Doug Pentland said. “He leads the team both on and off the field with his calm and laid back demeanor coupled with his determination and skill.”
Saturday’s game against the SCIAC-leading Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) Stags was a closely-contended loss for the black and orange. But with the team just four games into league play, there is still plenty of time to make a climb in the standings.
“One of the best things about the growth of the program has been its visibility on campus,” Brandford said. “When I first got here, no one really cared about the team. We now have great crowds at our home games, which we really appreciate.”
Brandford and company continue league play today, hosting the Caltech Beavers at Jack Kemp Stadium at 7 p.m.
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