Brian grew up playing for Scottish professional youth academies such as Albion Rovers FC, Clyde FC and Airdrie FC before deciding to pursue an American college soccer scholarship.
In 2011 he committed to top ranked NAIA side Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. During his four years there he won 4 conference championships, 3 conference tournaments and appeared in 4 national tournaments getting to the quarterfinals twice. In 2013 his Grand View side were ranked number 1 in the nation and consistently highly ranked during his time there. In 2014 he was awarded a First Team All-Conference award and NSCAA Midwest All-Region.
After graduating he obtained his OPT visa and worked as a soccer coach for Sporting Iowa, an affiliate team of Sporting Kansas City and West Des Moines Soccer Club while also getting his US Soccer licences.