Robert Douglas Friend (born 23 January 1981) is a Canadian former professional soccer player, who played as a forward, and CEO of Pacific FC. Early life and education Friend was born 23 January 1981 in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, Canada, and grew up in Kelowna, British Columbia. He was the first Kelowna-based player to make the British Columbia Provincial team, a collection of top youth players, and was named captain of the 1997 team. Friend was exposed to senior level play early, appearing for Okanagan Challenge of the Premier Development Soccer League as well as appearing in an exhibition for the Vancouver 86ers of the A-League. Despite training with English club Crewe Alexandra F.C., Friend decided to attend Western Michigan University instead of turning pro. He played college soccer for the Western Michigan Broncos from 1999 to 2000, appearing in 40 games and scoring 9 goals. Friend transferred to the University of California, Santa Barbara and finished his collegiate career with the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos men's soccer team. As a senior, Friend scored in 12 consecutive matches which ranks fifth in NCAA Division I history. He appeared in 40 games for the Gauchos, scoring 31 goals and assisting on 9 more. He was named as a 2002 All-American, becoming the first Gaucho in 32 years to receive the honor. Club career Norway After graduation from UCSB, Friend went on trial with Moss FK in December 2002. After a positive showing, he signed a two-year deal in December 2002 for Moss FK's upcoming 2003 Norwegian First Division season. Despite his contract with Moss FK, Friend was drafted in the 4th Round (35th Overall) of the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by Chicago Fire making him the first player from UCSB drafted to MLS. Friend made 41 league appearances and scored 16 league goals for Moss FK over his two-season span with the club before being transferred to Molde FK in August 2004. With Molde, he won the 2005 Norwegian Football Cup and scored a goal in the Final. He remained with the Molde FK until 2006, making 40 league appearances and scoring 14 league goals for the club. The Netherlands Early 2006 saw interest in Friend rise with Crystal Palace F.C. and Vålerenga Fotball among teams looking to purchase him. It was announced in late March 2006 that Friend was sold to SC Heerenveen ahead of the 2006–07 Eredivisie season. Per terms of the