Dan Gargan

High School and College

Gargan attended Chestnut Hill Academy, where he was named All-State and team and league MVP. Played for the Olympic Development Program Regional Team in 1998, 1999, and 2000. Played club ball for the strong FC Coppa team. He played college soccer at Georgetown University, scoring 11 goals and assisted on 18 while appearing in 75 games. He also garnered team MVP honors and captained the squad in both his junior and senior seasons.

Professional

Gargan was drafted in the fourth round (43rd overall) by Colorado Rapids in the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft. After what some considered a breakout season in 2006, he was awarded the "Rapids Most Improved Player" title. Though considered an adequate right back, Gargan was waived by the Rapids early in the 2008 season, after undergoing surgery for both a torn ACL and separated shoulder that offseason, as they faced a roster crunch and a surplus of defenders. It was popular among Rapids fans to cheer "Release the Gargan!" every time Dan came onto the field. Following a brief period as an unattached player on trial, Gargan was signed by Chivas USA on April 25, 2008., but announced his retirement from professional soccer, citing personal reasons, on May 9, 2008, without playing a game. Gargan returned to the game to play for Puerto Rico Islanders of the USL First Division in mid-2009, playing in 29 games for the team, helping them reach the USL-1 post season and advance in the CONCACAF Champions…