John McCarthy (soccer)
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.jpg) McCarthy with the New York Red Bulls in 2026 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | John Joseph McCarthy III | ||
| Date of birth | July 4, 1992 | ||
| Place of birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | ||
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[1] | ||
| Position | Goalkeeper | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | New York Red Bulls | ||
| Number | 77 | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2010–2013 | La Salle Explorers | 74 | (0) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2011–2012 | Ocean City Nor'easters | 22 | (0) |
| 2013 | Reading United | 7 | (0) |
| 2014 | Rochester Rhinos | 18 | (0) |
| 2015–2018 | Philadelphia Union | 21 | (0) |
| 2016–2018 | → Bethlehem Steel (loan) | 26 | (0) |
| 2019 | Tampa Bay Rowdies | 29 | (0) |
| 2020–2021 | Inter Miami | 21 | (0) |
| 2022–2023 | Los Angeles FC | 26 | (0) |
| 2024–2025 | LA Galaxy | 43 | (0) |
| 2025– | New York Red Bulls | 1 | (0) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals as of October 24, 2025 | |||
John Joseph McCarthy III (born July 4, 1992) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls. As a youth McCarthy was the Goalkeeper for his High School team Northeast Catholic Falcons and in 2008 helped lead them to a Catholic League and City Championship. He was inducted into the "North Catholic Soccer Hall of Fame" in 2026.
College and amateur
McCarthy played four years of college soccer at La Salle University between 2010 and 2013, Where he holds numerous career records, including most games played (74), saves (468), and shutouts (28).[2][3] He was awarded Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team in 2011 and 2012, as well as Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team in 2013.[3]
While at college, McCarthy also appeared for USL PDL clubs Ocean City Nor'easters in 2011 and 2012, and Reading United AC in 2013.[4]
Professional
Rochester Rhinos
McCarthy signed his first professional deal with USL Pro club Rochester Rhinos on February 27, 2014.[5] After the 2014 season, McCarthy was named the Rhinos' Rookie of the Year as he led the league with 0.72 goals against average.
McCarthy was named USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year and USL PRO Rookie of the Year for his notable 2014 season performances.[6]
Philadelphia Union
In 2015, McCarthy signed with his hometown club, Philadelphia Union.[7] Originally signed as a third goalkeeper behind first round draft pick, Andre Blake, and designated player, Rais M'Bohli, McCarthy was given a starting role as a result of injury and poor form, respectively. He made his MLS debut as the starter for the Union on April 11, 2015, versus New York City FC. McCarthy was heralded for his performance which resulted in his first win in the topflight as well as the Union's first win of 2015 season.[8] McCarthy started 8 league matches during the 2015 season, posting one shutout. He was played mostly during the Union's 2015 U.S. Open Cup run, earning wins in the first four rounds of competition (including two penalty shootouts) ultimately losing in the final. On July 6, 2017, McCarthy started in an away game against Sporting Kansas City which resulted in a 1–1 draw. McCarthy made five noteworthy saves in the game, including an excellent foot save on Latif Blessing in the 70th minute.
The conclusion of the 2018 season was also the end of McCarthy's Union contract, concluding his time with his hometown team.[9]
Bethlehem Steel FC
For the 2016 season, McCarthy played on loan to the Union's USL club, Bethlehem Steel FC. He made 11 starts for the club and posted 5 shutouts for Steel FC's inaugural season.
Tampa Bay Rowdies
McCarthy signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies on January 31, 2019.[10] During his season with the Rowdies, McCarthy made 26 appearances and posted 10 clean sheets.[11]
Inter Miami
In December 2019, McCarthy joined MLS expansion side Inter Miami CF ahead of their inaugural 2020 season.[12] He made his debut for Miami on October 7, in a 2–1 victory over New York Red Bulls.[13] Following the 2021 season, McCarthy's contract option was declined by Miami.[14]
Los Angeles FC
On January 21, 2022, McCarthy joined Los Angeles FC for the 2022 season with an option for 2023.[15] He was subbed on in the MLS Cup 2022 against the Union due to the sent-off of Maxime Crépeau in the 117th minute and made two saves during the penalty shoot-out to win the maiden MLS title for LAFC. McCarthy was named the game's Most Valuable Player as a result of his performance.[16]
LA Galaxy
On January 5, 2024, McCarthy was transferred to cross-city rivals LA Galaxy.[17] He ended the season with another MLS Cup title, after defeating the New York Red Bulls in the MLS Cup 2024.
New York Red Bulls
On August 22, 2025, the New York Red Bulls announced that they had acquired McCarthy from LA Galaxy via trade. The Galaxy would receive a third-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft and $150,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM).