L. Barraza, D.C. United, Goalkeeper, #13: Career, Stats & Impact

You settle in to watch D.C. United, and right away, number 13 catches your eye. Luis Barraza stands in goal, calm and focused, always looking ready for whatever comes his way. After years with New York City FC, he now leads a defense that’s still trying to find its groove. Here’s a goalkeeper who brings real experience, composure, and a clear sense of what it takes to compete in Major League Soccer.

Barraza’s journey didn’t just start with his trade to D.C. United. He grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and made a name for himself at Marquette University, working his way up with steady progress and reliable play. When D.C. United traded for him in December 2024, they handed him a chance to take charge of the net and make it his own.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, you expect more than just some flashy saves. You expect leadership, communication, and the kind of reliability that can flip a match on its head. The next sections dive into Barraza’s profile, his performance so far, and how his MLS journey shaped him into the goalkeeper D.C. United trusts at the back.

Profile of L. Barraza at D.C. United

You’re watching a goalkeeper who combines experience, calm, and sharp technical skills to anchor D.C. United’s defense. His background and physical presence, plus his steady rise through MLS, make him a huge part of the club’s defensive plans.

Current Squad Role and Jersey Number

Luis Barraza starts as D.C. United’s main goalkeeper, wearing jersey number 13. He joined from New York City FC in 2024 and quickly fit right in, becoming a steady hand in goal. His calm decisions and clear communication help organize the defense, especially when things get tense.

At 29, he’s smack in the middle of his prime, mixing athletic ability with plenty of experience. His time at Marquette University built his fundamentals, giving him both a technical edge and leadership skills that still show up every match.

He’s got competition from Jordan Farr, which keeps both goalkeepers sharp. The coaching staff values Barraza’s consistency and his knack for reading the game. He’s not flashy, but he’s always in the right spot—he’d rather rely on positioning and anticipation than wild dives.

Key Club Details

Category	Information
Club	D.C. United
Position	Goalkeeper
Jersey Number	#13
Joined	2024 (from NYCFC)

Physical Attributes and Roster Status

Barraza stands 6’2″ (1.88 m) and weighs 194 lbs (88 kg). He’s got the size and reach to deal with crosses and the strength to hold his ground.

His frame helps him handle aerial threats, but he’s still quick on his feet when he needs to react on the line.

He was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He mixes athleticism with good footwork, so he’s comfortable playing out from the back, even under pressure.

This balance of power and coordination fits D.C. United’s need for a goalkeeper who can start attacks, not just stop shots.

He holds a Supplemental Roster Slot (21–24), which means he adds depth without hitting the main salary cap. That status shows the club sees him as a regular now and an investment for the future.

Player Data

Attribute	Detail
Height	6’2″
Weight	194 lbs
Birthdate	November 8, 1996
Birthplace	Las Cruces, NM, USA
Roster Category	Supplemental Slots 21–24
Market Value	€350k

2025 Season Performance and Key Statistics

Luis Barraza, who played at Marquette University, has become a steady presence for D.C. United in the 2025 MLS season. His consistency, sharp game reading, and better shot-stopping have made him a go-to option for a club searching for defensive balance.

Appearances and Saves

You saw Barraza take on a heavy workload, playing in 24 MLS matches for D.C. United. Over those games, he put in more than 2,000 minutes on the pitch, proving his durability and earning real trust from the coaching staff.

Transfermarkt shows he made 39 total saves, and a few of those kept D.C. United in tight games. His save percentage climbed from previous years, especially in those tricky one-on-one moments.

Category	Statistic
Matches Played	24
Minutes Played	2,091
Saves	39
Save Percentage	73% (approx.)

His reflexes sharpened as the season went on, particularly when he faced quick counterattacks. He improved his positioning and timing, cutting down on rebounds, which is a great sign for any MLS starter.

Clean Sheets Record

Barraza’s clean sheet numbers show his progress. In the 2025 season, he picked up three clean sheets, according to 1vs1.

That might not seem like a huge number, but D.C. United faced a lot of attacking pressure this year.

Match Type	Clean Sheets
MLS Regular Season	3
U.S. Open Cup	0
Total	3

You could see his communication with defenders get better. He organized the back line and helped cut down on mistakes that led to early goals.

His clean sheets usually came in matches where the whole team held its shape, showing it’s not just about the keeper—it’s about everyone being on the same page.

Impact on Team Defense

Barraza’s growing command of the penalty area played a big role in D.C. United’s defensive improvement. He started reading crosses faster and his distribution got better, so the team could move from defense to attack more smoothly.

LiveScore reports show the team allowed fewer goals per match compared to last year. Barraza’s calm presence gave defenders confidence, especially when the pressure ramped up late in games.

When D.C. United struggled to keep the ball, Barraza’s accurate long passes helped reset play and relieve some of that pressure. His leadership and steady performances anchored a defense that looked more organized and competitive throughout the 2025 MLS season.

Transfer to D.C. United and Contract Details

You get a goalkeeper with six seasons of MLS experience, stepping into a new chapter. Luis Barraza arrived at D.C. United from New York City FC, bringing depth, competition, and a track record of reliability to the goalkeeping unit.

Acquisition from New York City FC

D.C. United picked up Luis Barraza from New York City FC in December 2024 after the club picked up his 2025 contract option. The deal brought United a 28-year-old keeper with 38 appearances across all competitions for NYCFC.

Barraza, a former Marquette University standout, brings a mix of MLS and international competition experience. In 2023, he started 24 league games, made 62 saves, and picked up four clean sheets. He also played in the Leagues Cup and MLS Next Pro to stay sharp.

Season	Club	MLS Matches	Clean Sheets	Saves
2023	New York City FC	24	4	62
2024	New York City FC	1	1	10
2024	NYCFC II (MLS Next Pro)	2	1	6

You can check out more details in D.C. United’s official release.

General Allocation Money Terms

The trade involved General Allocation Money (GAM), which MLS clubs use to manage their budgets. D.C. United sent $50,000 in 2025 GAM to NYCFC, and there’s up to $100,000 in extra GAM if Barraza hits certain performance targets.

So, if Barraza meets goals like appearances or team results, NYCFC gets more funds. Outlets like MLSSoccer.com and Reuters confirm these details.

For D.C. United, it’s a smart, incentive-based bet on a goalkeeper right in his prime. The structure gives both clubs some flexibility and rewards performance on the field.

Professional Journey in MLS

Luis Barraza’s career really shows what steady progress, hard work, and patience can do. His path from college standout to MLS starter is a reminder that timing and preparation matter a lot for goalkeepers.

MLS SuperDraft Selection

You first saw Barraza’s name pop up in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, when New York City FC picked him 12th overall. At Marquette University, he played 53 matches, made 247 saves, and had 10 clean sheets. He even won Big East Goalkeeper of the Year in 2018, making him one of the top prospects that year.

He entered MLS with the technical base and calm coaches want. Early on, he trained behind veteran keepers, learning the pace and toughness of the pro game.

Before turning pro, he also played with USL League Two teams like Lane United and FC Tucson. Those minutes built up his confidence before he joined NYCFC’s roster.

Year	Team	League	Appearances	Clean Sheets
2019	NYCFC	MLS	0	0
2018	Marquette Univ.	NCAA	16	4

Tenure at New York City FC

Barraza’s patience finally paid off during his six seasons with New York City FC. He made his professional debut in 2020 during the CONCACAF Champions League and then his MLS debut in 2021 against CF Montréal.

He climbed the ranks over time, moving from backup to trusted starter. In 2023, he started a career-high 24 MLS matches and notched 62 saves.

His calm presence and sharp reflexes earned him real respect in the locker room and among fans. By the end of his NYCFC tenure, Barraza appeared in 38 matches across all competitions, keeping nine clean sheets.

His growth really showed both persistence and adaptability in a tough position.

Season	Matches	Saves	Clean Sheets
2021	5	15	2
2023	24	62	4

MLS Cup and Campeones Cup Experience

Key moments really define a player’s reputation, don’t they? For Barraza, his time with NYCFC included two major titles: the 2021 MLS Cup and the 2022 Campeones Cup.

He stepped up when called upon and always stayed ready throughout both campaigns. During the 2021 season, he chalked up three wins and two clean sheets in five starts, helping NYCFC secure important points on their way to the championship.

His preparation and professionalism made the team deeper in goal. In 2022, he played his part as NYCFC captured the Campeones Cup with a 2–0 win over Atlas Guadalajara.

These experiences gave him a championship-level composure, something that’s supported his transition to D.C. United as their new No. 13 goalkeeper.

Playing Style and Strengths as Goalkeeper

Luis Barraza stands out as a goalkeeper who values precision, calmness, and consistency. His game shows years of patient development, shaped at Marquette University and tested in Major League Soccer.

He relies on timing, communication, and technical skill to manage the penalty area and support D.C. United’s back line.

Shot-Stopping and Reflexes

Barraza’s biggest strength really lies in his quick reactions and his knack for reading plays before they unfold. You can see how he positions himself early, cutting angles and forcing attackers into awkward decisions.

His reflexes help him handle close-range shots with composure, often steering the ball into safe zones instead of back into danger. In 2023 with New York City FC, he recorded 4 clean sheets across 24 MLS matches—a sign of his growing reliability in goal.

He showed his ability to stay composed under pressure in his performance against Querétaro FC in the 2024 Leagues Cup, where he made 10 saves.

Season	Club	Matches	Saves	Clean Sheets
2023	NYCFC	24	62	4
2024	NYCFC	10 (Leagues Cup + MLS)	35	2
2025	D.C. United	Ongoing	—	—

He plays with a steady rhythm and rarely rushes decisions. That patience gives defenders confidence, knowing he’ll handle high-pressure moments with control.

Leadership and Communication

Barraza’s leadership shows up in how he organizes the back line. He talks constantly, guiding defenders into better positions and adjusting their shape before set pieces.

His communication style is direct but calm, which helps keep the team composed during chaotic stretches. At 28, he brings maturity learned from six MLS seasons.

When you watch him, you hardly ever see frustration on his face. That steadiness keeps younger defenders grounded and focused.

He leads by example in training, sticking to consistent habits and preparation. D.C. United’s staff values that presence, especially as the club rebuilds its defense around experienced players like him and Jordan Farr.

Distribution and Footwork

Barraza’s distribution has gotten better since his college days at Marquette. He can use both feet comfortably, switching play to relieve pressure or start counterattacks.

His short passing is crisp, and his long kicks often target wide areas to stretch opposing defenses. He prefers accuracy over power, choosing smart passes that help maintain possession.

That decision-making lets D.C. United build from the back instead of just clearing the ball. In training, he often practices under simulated pressure to sharpen his first touch and passing angles.

This attention to technical detail pays off in games, where his calm footwork supports the team’s transition from defense to attack. By combining balance, awareness, and control, Barraza gives his teammates confidence that every possession starts with stability at the back.

Background and Early Career

Luis Barraza’s path in soccer really shows steady growth, cultural pride, and consistent performance. His story goes from a border-town upbringing to national college recognition, then on to Major League Soccer.

Birthplace and Heritage

Luis Barraza was born on November 8, 1996, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, right near the U.S.–Mexico border. Growing up in a bilingual, bicultural environment shaped his character and approach to the game.

His family roots stretch into Sunland Park, New Mexico, where community support and family guidance kept him grounded. That connection to both American and Mexican cultures gave him a dual perspective on competition and identity.

You can sense how that mix of influences helped him adapt to different teams and playing styles. Barraza holds dual nationality, which broadened his opportunities within U.S. soccer and connected him with fans from all kinds of backgrounds.

His early years in the Southwest exposed him to strong local soccer programs and mentors who valued discipline. Those experiences built the foundation for his later success in college and the pros.

Youth Academy Development

Barraza took a major step when he joined the Real Salt Lake–Arizona Academy, one of the top youth systems in the region. That’s where you first spot his professional mindset.

Training daily against elite players improved his reflexes and decision-making. Coaches focused on distribution, communication, and positioning—skills that define his game today.

At this level, Barraza learned to read plays quickly and manage the defensive line. Competing in national tournaments gave him exposure to scouts and college recruiters.

Youth Academy Summary

Academy	Position	Approx. Years	Region
Real Salt Lake–Arizona	Goalkeeper	2012–2014	Southwest U.S.

The academy’s structure mirrored professional setups in MLS, preparing him for the demands of higher levels. Those years taught him consistency under pressure, a trait that’s followed him into college and beyond.

College Soccer Achievements

At Marquette University, you really get to watch Barraza grow from a promising freshman into one of the Big East Conference’s top goalkeepers. He started 53 matches and notched 18 shutouts between 2015 and 2018.

His senior season? That’s when things clicked. He picked up the Big East Goalkeeper of the Year award after posting a 78.2% save percentage and grabbing seven clean sheets.

Marquette Career Stats

Season	Games Started	Shutouts	Save %
2015	6	2	70.0
2016	14	4	74.5
2017	15	5	76.0
2018	18	7	78.2

You could see his leadership and communication get better every year. During summers, he played in USL League Two for teams like Lane United and FC Tucson, which definitely kept him sharp.

Mixing college and semi-pro experience gave him a real edge for the MLS SuperDraft. He kicked off his pro career with New York City FC before heading to D.C. United.

If you want the full story, check out Luis Barraza’s Wikipedia page.