Beason cites his Head Coach Chris Brown and the USF coaching staff as playing a big part in his decision to play for the Dons, and for their support in his professional journey. “Coach Brown will always have a special place in my heart, because I don’t think I’d be here without him, and especially the three other guys [Sam Reynolds, Robbie Rix, Shane Watkins] doing it with him,” he said. “So I think everyone on the coaching staff will definitely stick with me for the rest of my life. And I think that if you’re a player who wants to go to the next level, those are the guys who will get you there.”
On Dec. 18, Brayden Beason was selected 73rd overall by Real Salt Lake City in the third round of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft after a stellar two seasons at USF. The 6’2” forward was named All-WCC in his first two years, scoring five goals and adding an assist in his first year, and increasing his tally to seven goals and adding another assist in his sophomore campaign. “It’s been nothing but ups…getting results on and off the field,” the business management major said.
Beason said a standout moment in his time at USF includes bagging a goal against #2 ranked Stanford this last season in a massive Dons upset. He’s no stranger to game winners however, also clinching a USF victory against St. Mary’s in 2024, a narrow 3-2 win.
Speaking on his reaction to getting drafted, Beason said, “I was actually in Hawaii with a couple of the guys. So it was honestly a surreal moment, being able to call my parents and have them congratulate me.”
Junior forward David Raphael spoke on his experience playing with Brayden: “We went crazy…me and Beason are always competing against each other and we make each other better every practice and every game. Real Salt Lake Fans should expect a hard worker and someone who knows how to score a lot of goals.”
Now Beason will look to build on his time at USF for Real Salt Lake in the upcoming MLS season. He’ll be looking to make his debut when Real Salt Lake play their first game on March 7 against Atlanta United, and Beason is looking forward to sharing the pitch and learning from the players around him. “Definitely hoping to be able to get to the next level, you know, learn a thing or two from the guys above me and guys who have been there,” he said. “Just getting there and getting ready to learn.”
