Wade Barrett

College

Barrett was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and played college soccer at the College of William and Mary from 1994 to 1997, where he scored thirty-eight goals and twenty-six assists, and was voted an NSCAA All-American in his senior season.

Professional

Barrett was drafted twelfth overall in the 1998 MLS College Draft by the then-San Jose Clash. Barrett was a consistent contributor for the Earthquakes in his first two seasons, being slowly converted from a midfielder to a defender, but was sidelined by groin injuries in the 2000 season that forced him to miss much of the year. Barrett returned in 2001 and proved himself to be one of the best defenders in MLS, playing left back for a San Jose team that would win the 2001 MLS Cup. Barrett cemented his position in 2002, continuing his exceptional play at left fullback, and in recognition was named to the 2002 MLS Best XI. In five years in the league, he scored five goals and made twenty-two assists. Barrett left MLS after the 2002 season to pursue opportunities in the United Kingdom. Barrett first signed with Danish club AGF Aarhus, with whom he spent the latter half of 2002 and much of 2003, but was unable to establish himself as a regular starter. Barrett opted to leave the club in July 2004 in order to join Fredrikstad FK in Norway, joining fellow American Brian West.

He left Scandinavia in January 2005, re-signing with San Jose and winning the MLS Supporter's Shield in his first season back.…