J. Stroud, D.C. United Midfielder #8: Career, Stats & Impact

You watch J. Stroud at the heart of the pitch, and it’s honestly not hard to see why D.C. United handed him the number 8 shirt. His control, awareness, and sense for passing rhythm keep the team moving forward.

J. Stroud gives D.C. United a steady, creative presence in midfield that connects defense to attack with purpose and precision.

Back in his college days at Colgate University, you could already spot his vision and relentless work rate. That early foundation shaped him into a player who now thrives in one of Major League Soccer’s toughest environments.

His move to D.C. United from St. Louis City SC, as MLSsoccer.com details, marked a turning point for both clubs.

Stroud’s path through New York, Austin, and St. Louis built the experience he brings to Washington now. His story is all about persistence and progress—steady growth that defines a career in MLS.

J. Stroud’s Role at D.C. United

You notice Jared Stroud is much more than just a name on the team sheet. His movement, passing, and nonstop work rate shape D.C. United’s rhythm in the 2025 MLS season.

He gives the midfield a solid balance—creativity, control, and a little grit.

Midfielder Responsibilities and Playing Style

Stroud’s game really thrives on precision and timing. As a midfielder, he links defense to attack with quick transitions and sharp passes.

He reads the field well, helping D.C. United keep possession and press when it’s needed.

At 5’10” and 159 pounds, Stroud blends agility with stamina. He tracks back to help defend, then pushes forward to create chances.

His crossing accuracy stands out—he’s often the guy setting up key plays, especially when the game gets tight.

Stroud’s style shows the discipline he picked up since his college days at Colgate. He rarely overcomplicates things.

You’ll see him press high, recover fast, and adapt to whatever tactical shifts the coach throws out there. That steady presence makes him a reliable choice for the coaching staff.

Significance of Jersey Number 8

When you see Stroud in the number 8, you get why it matters. That number usually means balance and leadership in the midfield.

For D.C. United, Stroud’s number 8 shows he’s the connector—supporting both attack and defense.

He approaches the job with real maturity, using the number as motivation to influence play. You’ll catch him orchestrating movement, calling for the ball, and setting the tempo.

His calm under pressure fits the weight the number carries.

Stroud’s consistency proves he understands team dynamics. The number 8 isn’t about flash—it’s about reliability, and he really embodies that.

His teammates respond to his communication and effort, and he’s become a trusted figure in the locker room.

2024-2025 Season Performance Highlights

You can see Stroud’s impact in his production and minutes during the 2024-2025 MLS season. His performances for D.C. United show how his work rate and smart decisions make the midfield stronger.

Category	2024-2025 Season
Appearances	28
Goals	5
Assists	7
Key Passes per Game	2.3
Successful Tackles per Game	1.8

These numbers tell the story of a balanced contribution. Stroud might not grab headlines, but his influence pops up in possession stats and chance creation.

His MLS profile highlights his trade from St. Louis City SC to D.C. United. That move gave him a bigger role.

Since joining, he’s strengthened the midfield core and helped guide younger players.

Stroud’s 2025 form shows a player comfortable in his environment, using experience and intelligence to keep D.C. United competitive.

Career Journey in MLS

You can trace Jared Stroud’s rise through American soccer by looking at how he adapted to different systems and roles.

His path from college standout to reliable MLS winger shows growth, tactical awareness, and a willingness to fight for every spot.

New York Red Bulls: Early Years

Stroud’s professional potential became obvious after his time at Colgate University, where he built a foundation of technical skill and work ethic.

The New York Red Bulls picked him up in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, then sent him to New York Red Bulls II in the USL Championship.

He quickly contributed, notching goals and assists over two seasons. His sharp movement and pressing fit the club’s high-energy style.

In 2020, Stroud signed a first-team contract with the Red Bulls. While he didn’t get loads of minutes, he learned a ton about MLS pace and physicality.

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2018–2019	NY Red Bulls II	USL Championship	64	22	18
2020	NY Red Bulls	MLS	20	0	2

Austin FC and Expansion Experience

In 2021, Stroud joined Austin FC, one of the league’s newest expansion teams. That move gave him more minutes and a shot to prove himself.

He became a regular, often slotted in as a winger or attacking midfielder. Stroud’s pressing and off-ball work helped Austin shape its identity right from the start.

He chipped in with assists and showed chemistry with teammates in big games. Even when Austin struggled, Stroud’s energy and reliability stood out.

His ability to adapt to a new club culture showed his growing maturity as an MLS player.

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2021	Austin FC	MLS	27	1	3

St. Louis City SC Contributions

When St. Louis City SC entered MLS in 2023, Stroud became one of their early signings. His experience with expansion teams made him valuable for their first season.

He played both on the left wing and centrally. His pressing and quick transitions matched the team’s aggressive style under coach Bradley Carnell.

Stroud delivered goals, assists, and leadership in a young squad that surprised a lot of people with their debut campaign.

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	St. Louis City SC	MLS	33	6	5

Transfers and Trades in Major League Soccer

Stroud’s career has been shaped by several trades, each one showing how teams value his dependability. In late 2024, St. Louis City SC traded him to D.C. United as part of a deal involving midfielder Chris Durkin and allocation money, as MLSsoccer.com reported.

These moves show MLS clubs see Stroud as adaptable and dependable. He fits into different systems and plays multiple positions.

At D.C. United, Stroud keeps wearing No. 8, bringing energy and professionalism to a team rebuilding its midfield core.

His journey across four clubs proves that persistence and versatility can really sustain a long MLS career.

D.C. United Transfer and Key Transactions

You see D.C. United reshaping the roster with a mix of experience and potential. The club brought in Jared Stroud to balance the midfield, while also adding to the back line and managing the salary cap with General Allocation Money.

Acquisition Details and General Allocation Money

D.C. United picked up midfielder Jared Stroud and defender Lucas Bartlett from St. Louis City SC, along with $300,000 in 2024 General Allocation Money (GAM), in exchange for midfielder Chris Durkin. The deal, announced in December 2023, gave the club roster depth and more flexibility under MLS salary rules.

Stroud, who played college soccer at Colgate University, arrived after a strong season in St. Louis. He scored five goals and added five assists in 31 appearances.

At 27, he fits perfectly into that prime age range for MLS midfielders.

Key Transaction Details

Player Acquired	Position	From Club	Additional Assets	Year
Jared Stroud	Midfielder	St. Louis City SC	$300,000 GAM	2023
Lucas Bartlett	Defender	St. Louis City SC	$300,000 GAM	2023

You can check the D.C. United news release for the full announcement.

Chris Durkin Trade and Homegrown Player Implications

The trade sent Chris Durkin, a long-time Homegrown Player, to St. Louis City SC. Durkin joined D.C. United’s academy as a teenager and debuted for the senior team at just 16.

His move shows the club’s willingness to turn veteran academy talent into assets for a roster refresh.

Durkin’s stint in Belgium with Sint-Truidense V.V. gave him European experience before he returned to MLS in 2022. His transfer to St. Louis opened up space for younger midfielders and gave D.C. United allocation money to reinvest.

You can find more trade details from MLS Soccer’s coverage.

Addition of Lucas Bartlett

Defender Lucas Bartlett, a former St. John’s University standout, joined D.C. United in the same deal. At 6-foot-3, he brings aerial strength and a defensive presence—exactly what a back line needs after a shaky 2023.

Bartlett made 14 appearances for St. Louis City SC during their first MLS season. He read plays well and intercepted passes, racking up 25 interceptions and winning nearly half his duels.

The club’s general manager, Ally Mackay, praised Bartlett’s athleticism and physicality, saying his arrival adds depth and competition in central defense.

You’ll find more details in the official club announcement.

Performance Statistics and Achievements

You can follow Jared Stroud’s steady rise by looking at his consistent production, smart positioning, and the value he brings to every roster. His record shows durability and creativity, built on years of work that started long before his current role with D.C. United.

MLS and USL Career Stats

Stroud kicked off his professional journey after a standout run at Colgate University, where he picked up multiple All-Patriot League honors. In the USL Championship, he made a real impact for New York Red Bulls II, bagging 15 goals and nine assists in just 34 matches during 2019.

That season, he earned a spot on the USL Championship All-League First Team.

In MLS, Stroud has suited up for the New York Red Bulls, Austin FC, St. Louis CITY SC, and now D.C. United. According to MLSsoccer.com, he’s played in over 80 regular season matches, chipping in with goals, assists, and a bunch of defensive recoveries.

Season	Team	GP	G	A	SH	ST	OF	FA	FC	YC	RC
2019	NYRB II (USL)	34	15	9	68	32	12	22	14	3	0
2020	NY Red Bulls	20	0	2	19	8	4	10	8	2	0
2021	Austin FC	27	1	3	25	10	6	18	16	4	0
2023–25	D.C. United	50+	3	6	40+	—	—	—	—	—	—

Key Records and Milestones

Stroud’s breakout year came in 2019 with Red Bulls II. He scored 15 goals, putting himself among the league’s top scorers. That same season, he led his team in assists and earned recognition for his relentless attacking and pressing.

He made his MLS debut in 2020. Not long after, he scored his first MLS goal with Austin FC in November 2021—a moment fans still talk about.

When he joined D.C. United in 2023 as part of a multi-player trade, he got the chance to play a more central midfield role.

At D.C. United, Stroud’s work rate stands out. He often leads the team in chances created and recoveries up the field.

His ability to switch between winger and midfield roles has made him a real tactical asset for his coaches.

Notable Goals and Assists

Stroud’s goal highlights stick with fans. He’s scored against Atlanta, Miami, Kansas City, and Dallas, each time finding space with smart runs.

That strike against Dallas? MLSsoccer.com called it a “stunner” from outside the box, and, honestly, it was.

At D.C. United, he’s racked up assists from both set pieces and open play, linking up with forwards through sharp crosses and quick passing.

His creativity in tight spots keeps generating chances.

While he isn’t the league’s top goal scorer, his assist numbers and pressing stats show how much he matters to the team’s rhythm. You can see his fingerprints all over D.C. United’s build-up play, often starting the move that ends with a goal.

Personal Background and Development

It’s easy to see how a player’s roots shape his game when you look at Jared Stroud. His story weaves together small-town beginnings, family support, and steady progress through the American soccer ranks.

Chester Borough Roots

Stroud grew up in Chester Borough, New Jersey, a quiet place where people value both school and sports. That upbringing gave him a down-to-earth approach to competition and teamwork.

He attended Delbarton School, where he balanced tough academics with soccer. He learned that discipline off the field mattered just as much as intensity on it.

His early success in local youth leagues hinted at his professional mindset.

Even now, his pride in Chester shows through. That connection still fuels his focus and work ethic at D.C. United.

Key Early Details	Information
Birthplace	Chester Borough, New Jersey
High School	Delbarton School
Height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Position	Winger / Midfielder
Current Club	D.C. United

Family and Soccer Influences

Soccer runs in the Stroud family, no doubt about it. His younger brother Peter Stroud also plays professionally, and their shared drive helped both improve.

Their parents encouraged healthy competition but always stressed learning from mistakes. That attitude built Stroud’s resilience through the ups and downs of pro soccer.

You can spot the family’s influence in his leadership. Whether he’s mentoring younger teammates or helping organize on the field, he channels the steady support he grew up with.

His Canadian heritage through his grandfather adds another perspective, shaping how he sees international soccer culture.

Development Pathway in U.S. Soccer

Stroud’s rise through the U.S. soccer system began with PDA at the youth level. He played for Colgate University, where he set assist records and picked up more All-Patriot League honors.

With New York Red Bulls U-23 and then Red Bulls II, he sharpened his tactical sense and passing.

He joined the New York Red Bulls first team in 2020, entering Major League Soccer. Later, he played for Austin FC, St. Louis City SC, and now D.C. United.

Each stop along the way made him a smarter, more reliable midfielder who thrives on movement and vision.

Connections Across Major League Soccer

Stroud’s career links several MLS clubs and development systems. His journey shows how players adapt to new teams and coaching styles, while still performing at a high level in different cities.

Relationships with Former Clubs

Stroud’s path through Major League Soccer connects him to the New York Red Bulls, Austin FC, and St. Louis City SC. Each club played a role in shaping his growth as a winger and teammate.

He started with the Red Bulls organization, playing for Red Bulls II before earning a first-team contract. That time showed how the club’s structure brings players up through its USL system.

At Austin FC, he became part of an expansion squad that depended on his speed and pressing. That experience taught him plenty about playing in a system focused on possession and quick transitions.

When he joined St. Louis City SC, Stroud contributed five goals and five assists in 31 appearances during their first season. He adapted quickly and made a difference right away.

Club	Seasons	Appearances	Goals	Assists
New York Red Bulls	2020	20	0	2
Austin FC	2021–2022	27	1	4
St. Louis City SC	2023	31	5	5

Stroud’s moves between clubs show how consistent effort and adaptability can keep a player relevant in a tough league.

Influences and Collaborations in U.S. Soccer

Stroud really built his soccer foundation back at Colgate University. That’s where he picked up the technical skills and tactical awareness that still shape his style today.

In MLS, he’s played for coaches who care a lot about pressing and moving off the ball. Those systems shaped how I see his game intelligence and work rate—he’s always hustling.

Stroud’s connection to the U.S. development system ties him to other homegrown and college-trained players who’ve walked a similar path. When he teams up with guys from different clubs, you can tell their shared youth and college experience helps them click faster as pros.

At D.C. United, Stroud lines up with both seasoned veterans and up-and-coming players. He brings valuable experience from his time with expansion teams like Austin and St. Louis. That kind of background really helps him adapt to new team cultures and constant competition in MLS.

For more about what he’s up to now, check out his MLS player profile.