Paul Broome

Paul Broome (born June 6, 1976 in Dallas, Texas) is an American soccer left back, who currently plays for Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer.

Broome played soccer (and excelled in football) for Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, TX. One of his defining characteristics, besides excellent ball control, is his incredible speed. Broome played college soccer at Southern Methodist University from 1995 to 1998, as both a midfielder and a defender. He finished his career at SMU with 23 goals and 16 assists in 66 games, 76 of them starts.

Upon graduating, Broome was drafted 12th overall in the 1999 MLS College Draft by his hometown Dallas Burn. Broome saw little playing time as a rookie, appearing in only 13 games, registering one goal and two assists. He saw an enlarged role in 2000, playing a utility role for the Burn in midfield and defense, as a starter or substitute; he played in 20 games in 2000, 12 starts, and 22 games in 2001.

Finally, in 2002, Broome earned a permanent starting position for himself, starting all 25 games he played from the left back position, while registering four assists. However, Broome was again challenged in 2003, when number one draft pick Chris Gbandi made his long-awaited return from injury, and immediately was given the left back position. Unhappy with the situation, Broome requested a trade, which he was eventually granted, being sent to the Los Angeles Galaxy along with Ryan Suarez and Antonio Martinez in exchange for Gavin Glinton and Ezra Hendrickson.

Broome hardly played in 2003 for the Galaxy, as Galaxy fullbacks Tyrone Marshall and Ricky Lewis were already entrenched at left back. However, in 2004 he regained a starting position, starting 20 games for the team. He was traded to Salt Lake in June 2005.

See also

* List of current MLS players