Danny Califf

Lore & Background

Califf was selected sixth overall in the 2000 MLS SuperDraft by the Los Angeles Galaxy. He played for the Galaxy from 2000 to 2004, starting 69 games over three years after his rookie season and helping the team win a U.S. Open Cup in 2001 and an MLS Cup in 2002. He struggled with injuries in 2004, making only 10 starts. He was traded to the San Jose Earthquakes prior to the 2005 season.

In Their Own Story

The roar of the Home Depot Center crowd faded into a hum as Danny Califf surveyed the field. It was late in the second half of the 2002 final. Sweat dripped from his brow, soaking the white Galaxy jersey. He didn't need to shout; his positioning spoke for itself. As an opponent lunged forward, Califf stepped up, intercepting with a calm certainty born of seven years of service. In that moment, he wasn't just defending a goal; he was protecting a legacy.

Reader's Guide

Califf was named to the MLS Best XI in 2005 and was an MLS All-Star in 2005, both after leaving the Galaxy. He played for the United States national team at every level from U-17 to senior, earning his first cap on January 19, 2002, and appearing in 26 games for the full national team. He scored his only international goal against Haiti on March 16, 2004.

Did You Know?

• Califf was drafted sixth overall in the 2000 MLS SuperDraft, not in the 1996 MLS Inaugural Draft.
• He played for LA Galaxy from 2000 to 2004, not from 1997 to 2003.
• He was named an MLS All-Star only once, in 2005, after leaving the Galaxy.