[6] Despite training with English club Crewe Alexandra F.C., Friend decided to attend Western Michigan University instead of turning pro.

[13] After a positive showing, he signed a two-year deal in December 2002 for Moss FK's upcoming 2003 Norwegian First Division season.

After three years in Mönchengladbach, including two in the Bundesliga, Friend was sold from the club and was bought by the newly relegated Hertha BSC for €1.8 million.

[24] Friend made his debut and scored his first goal for Berlin on 14 August 2010 in a DFB-Pokal cup match versus Pfullendorf, the game ended as a 2–0 victory.

On 12 September, Friend had a man of the match performance scoring 2 goals in a 3–1 home victory over Arminia Bielefeld at Olympic Stadium.

[26] On the final day of the 2011 summer transfer window, Friend returned to the second division, joining the newly relegated Eintracht Frankfurt.

He was close to re-joining Major League Soccer in the United States in January 2013, but despite interest from Vancouver Whitecaps FC Friend saw his contract to completion in Germany.

[28] After one season with Los Angeles, which included winning the 2014 MLS Cup, Friend announced his retirement on 10 December 2014 due to issues stemming from concussions.

[33] Friend is married to Marisa Lauren "Mari" Bell, a former UC Santa Barbara women's volleyball player.