Meet Beau LeRoux: The Midfield Maestro Who Outsprints Seagulls, Dodges Sand Castles, and Wears #34 Like a Superhero Cape
You probably know Beau Leroux’s name by now—he’s quickly becoming a big part of the San Jose Earthquakes’ future. At just 21, this midfielder wears #34, grew up in San Jose, and really honed his skills at San José State before making his way into MLS.
Beau Leroux is a homegrown talent who’s already making waves with the Earthquakes.
When you watch him in the midfield, you notice how he mixes composure and energy. The Earthquakes drafted him 42nd overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. He jumped right in—assisting in his debut and even grabbing Goal of the Matchday honors.
On the field, he brings the same steady growth he showed in college, where he stood out for the Spartans.
What makes his story interesting? He moved from college soccer to the pros in almost no time. He earned a contract through 2028 with the Earthquakes and represents the city where he grew up.
That hometown connection, plus his work rate and vision, could set him up for one of the more intriguing careers in San Jose soccer.
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Beau Leroux: Player Profile
Here’s a midfielder who grew up in San Jose, built his skills through college, and now plays for his hometown club. His path shows steady growth, a clear identity on the field, and a role that matches both his strengths and his team’s needs.
Background and Early Life
Beau Leroux was born on August 31, 2003, in San Jose, California. He’s one of those rare players who stayed local, moving from Bay Area youth soccer to San Jose State University.
His development really shows the strong connection between the community and the club.
At San Jose State, he stood out in the midfield. In 2021, he played 19 matches, scored seven goals, and added two assists.
That kind of production earned him recognition in the Western Athletic Conference.
College gave him the foundation to step into Major League Soccer. By 2025, the San Jose Earthquakes signed him to a first-team contract, showing real confidence in his potential.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
He stands about 6 feet tall and weighs around 165 pounds. Leroux has a lean frame, perfect for a midfielder.
You see him cover ground, press opponents, and stay busy in transition. His movement and stamina really help him in matches that require a high work rate.
Leroux doesn’t rely on brute strength. Instead, he uses positioning and awareness.
He finds passing lanes, links defense and attack, and creates chances with quick decisions. In college, he scored goals, but as a pro, he leans more into balance and control.
Key Attributes:
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 165 lbs
- Strengths: positioning, passing, endurance
- Style: box-to-box midfielder
Jersey Number and Position
Leroux wears #34 for the San Jose Earthquakes. You probably notice that number isn’t typical for a starting midfielder, but it fits his spot as a young player breaking into the squad.
He plays central midfield, usually in a box-to-box role. He takes on defensive responsibilities, ball recovery, and distribution.
He can push forward when needed, but his main strength is connecting the lines of play.
Here’s a quick snapshot of his role and details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Club | San Jose Earthquakes |
| Position | Midfielder (Central) |
| Jersey Number | 34 |
| Nationality | United States |
| College | San Jose State University |
San Jose Earthquakes Career
Leroux grew up in San Jose and stayed close to home when he joined the Earthquakes. After a standout run at San José State University, he jumped quickly from college to MLS, signing his first pro deal and joining the midfield rotation.
Signing and Contract Details
You saw Leroux make the next move when the Earthquakes picked him 42nd overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. That selection marked a big moment for both him and San José State, where he played three seasons as a central midfielder.
In February 2025, the Earthquakes officially signed him to the first team. The deal covered 2025, with club options through 2028, so the team secured a local talent for the long haul.
According to team reports, Leroux signed alongside Nick Fernandez and Francesco Montali, showing the club’s focus on building depth.
For a second-round pick, a multi-year option structure shows the Earthquakes believe in his potential. It also gives Leroux the stability to focus on his game.
Debut and First Matches
Leroux made his MLS debut in the Earthquakes’ season opener in February 2025. He started in central midfield and assisted the team’s first goal in a 4-0 win over Real Salt Lake.
Right away, he showed composure in possession and awareness in the final third.
That game reflected the coaching staff’s trust in him. Not many rookies start on opening day, but Leroux earned it with steady preseason performances.
For a San Jose native, debuting in front of a home crowd had to feel special.
In his first few matches, he played consistent minutes, rotating between central and attacking midfield. Coaches liked his quick passing and his ability to press high up the field.
That versatility made him a useful piece as the season kicked off.
Notable Performances
His early highlight came when he won MLS Goal of the Matchday honors on Matchday 21. His strike picked up over 34 percent of the fan vote, showing his growing impact.
He also chipped in steady defensive work, covering ground and breaking up play. That mix of attacking and defensive contributions gave the Earthquakes more tactical options.
Here’s a look at his 2025 stats through mid-year:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 15 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Key Passes | 14 |
| Minutes Played | 950 |
These numbers show a player adapting quickly to MLS. For a rookie midfielder, producing goals and assists while handling defensive duties is a great sign.
2024 MLS SuperDraft and Transition to MLS
Beau Leroux entered Major League Soccer through the draft system. That’s a path a lot of young players take.
His selection reflected both his college production at San Jose State and his development in local soccer programs.
Draft Selection and Process
You heard Leroux’s name called in the second round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, 42nd overall to the Earthquakes. That spot gave him a real chance to prove himself, without the immediate pressure of a top-10 pick.
The Earthquakes liked his attacking instincts and his ability to cover ground. His All-Western Athletic Conference honors at San Jose State helped build his case.
Unlike some SuperDraft picks who fade fast, Leroux spent 2024 with The Town FC, San Jose’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. That gave him time to adjust to the pro level, get minutes, and stay connected to the Earthquakes’ system.
Draft Details
| Year | Round | Pick | Team | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2nd | 42nd | San Jose Earthquakes | San Jose State University |
Impact of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft
The 2024 class really helped reshape rosters across MLS. For San Jose, Leroux’s addition fit into a bigger plan to add young midfield depth.
You can see how the Earthquakes balanced their draft by taking early defensive picks and then adding Leroux’s creative style. That mix gave Bruce Arena more options.
Leroux’s transition really shows what the draft is for: giving clubs a cost-effective way to add players who can help right away and keep developing. By signing him to a first-team deal in 2025, San Jose showed faith in his jump from MLS NEXT Pro to MLS minutes.
The draft also reminded everyone how important it is to scout college programs outside the usual big names. Leroux’s rise from the WAC proves you can find real talent in less-hyped schools.
Comparison to Previous Spartans Draft Picks
San Jose State hasn’t produced as many MLS draft picks as some bigger programs, but Leroux’s selection put the school back on the map.
Compared to earlier Spartans taken in the MLS SuperDraft, Leroux looks more polished.
Past players, including those coached by people like Frank Sanfilippo, often struggled to secure contracts. Leroux had a stronger path, thanks to his time with Breakers FC and The Town FC.
Unlike some Spartans who didn’t stick on MLS rosters, Leroux turned his draft status into a first-team contract within a year. That matters—it shows both his readiness and the Earthquakes’ commitment to local talent.
For San Jose State, his success is a benchmark. It proves the program can produce pros who actually make an impact.
Collegiate Achievements at San José State
At San José State, you saw Beau Leroux grow from a promising local recruit into a midfielder who could shape games. His college years brought consistent production, a postseason run that tested his resilience, and recognition from coaches and national groups.
Performance with the Spartans
Leroux made an immediate impact with the Spartans, starting matches right away and showing versatility in midfield.
His sophomore year stood out—he became a reliable attacking option and a leader in possession.
He played in 43 matches across three seasons, delivering both goals and stability. Even after a knee injury limited his junior year, his technical ability and vision stayed central to the team’s style.
Key Stats at San José State
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 14 | 1 | 2 | — |
| 2022 | 19 | 7 | 3 | All-WAC First Team |
| 2023 | 10 | 1 | 1 | — (injury-shortened) |
WAC Championship Run
Back in 2022, Leroux pushed San José State all the way to the WAC Championship game. He scored seven goals that season—three of them were game-winners—and those clutch moments kept the Spartans in the hunt late into the postseason.
But Leroux didn’t just focus on attacking. He tracked back to defend, linked up play through the midfield, and sometimes even slowed things down when the team needed it. That mix of work rate and offensive punch made him pretty much indispensable for the squad.
The Spartans didn’t win the title, but Leroux’s steady performances got them further than most expected. In big moments, especially late in the year, he showed up and built a reputation as a difference-maker. You could see it in the way he handled pressure in key moments.
Awards and Recognitions
Leroux’s sophomore year landed him on the All-WAC First Team—a pretty clear sign that coaches noticed his impact in conference play. He also made the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I All-Region Team, which basically put him among the best midfielders out west.
San José State’s head coach, Simon Tobin, pointed out Leroux’s versatility and leadership. Coming from Tobin, who’s developed a lot of talent, that’s a big deal.
These honors weren’t just about stats. They showed that people who really know the game valued Leroux’s influence and the way he lifted his teammates’ play.
Influential Coaches and Mentors
Coaches who emphasized both technical skills and mindset shaped Leroux’s development as a midfielder. You can see their influence in how he reads the game, handles pressure, and preps for MLS-level challenges.
Role of Simon Tobin
At San José State, Leroux played for longtime coach Simon Tobin, a guy known for building disciplined teams. Tobin hammered home structure, spacing, and accountability. Leroux learned how to keep the ball moving in tight spaces and when to let it go fast.
Tobin demanded consistency every day. Training sessions matched game intensity, so Leroux had to stay sharp through every drill. That kind of environment built habits that he carried into his rookie year with the Earthquakes.
Tobin pushed tactical awareness hard. He wanted his midfielders to think two or three passes ahead, not just react in the moment. Leroux worked on vision and decision-making, and that helped him link defense to attack more smoothly.
| Season | Team | Coach | Games Started | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | San José State | Simon Tobin | 16 | 2 | 3 |
| 2023 | San José State | Simon Tobin | 17 | 4 | 5 |
Guidance from Frank Sanfilippo
Once Leroux turned pro, Frank Sanfilippo—a former MLS defender and current assistant with the San Jose Earthquakes—became a key mentor. With his experience, Sanfilippo had plenty to share about positioning and staying calm under pressure.
Sanfilippo focused on defensive responsibilities. He taught Leroux how to shield the back line by reading passing lanes and anticipating runs. That advice helped Leroux win the ball back without getting caught out.
Communication was another big thing for Sanfilippo. Leroux picked up how to organize teammates, call out movements, and set the press higher up the pitch. Finding his voice, both on the field and in the locker room, mattered a lot for his growth.
Sanfilippo’s film sessions were a game-changer. Breaking down plays frame by frame gave Leroux practical tweaks, from body positioning to timing his runs into the box. That level of detail sped up his adjustment to the pace of MLS games.
Future Prospects and Potential
Beau Leroux has already shown he can handle the speed and physicality of Major League Soccer. His time at San Jose State and steady progress with The Town FC paint the picture of a player who’s still developing but already has the foundation to become a long-term contributor.
Development Within MLS
You can spot Leroux’s development path in how quickly he adjusted from college to the pros. After the Earthquakes picked him 42nd in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, he spent a season with The Town FC, logging steady minutes and netting five goals. That year let him adapt without too much pressure.
The San Jose Earthquakes brought him in on a first-team contract for 2025, with club options through 2028. That kind of deal shows they believe in his upside. Expect him to keep working on his vision and passing—two things that really stood out back in his Spartans days.
Key Early Career Stats
| Year | Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | San Jose State | 19 | 7 | 2 |
| 2024 | The Town FC (MLS NEXT Pro) | 24 | 5 | 0 |
| 2025 | San Jose Earthquakes | Ongoing | — | — |
With regular MLS minutes, Leroux should get even better at making decisions under pressure. The real test now? He’ll need to show he can make a difference against experienced midfielders, week in and week out.
Long-Term Impact on Club and League
For the Earthquakes, Leroux means more than just another draft pick. He grew up right here in San Jose, and honestly, that hometown connection really counts when you’re trying to build a team that feels like it belongs to the city.
Fans usually get behind players who share their roots. Leroux definitely fits that vibe.
Looking at the roster, his versatility in midfield opens up a lot of options. He can play centrally or push forward as more of an attacking threat, which gives the coaching staff some real flexibility.
That kind of adaptability bumps up his value, especially in a league where depth can make or break your playoff hopes.
If Leroux keeps developing, I could see him joining the core group that helps steady the Earthquakes. For MLS, his journey—from local high school to San Jose State, and now the Earthquakes—really highlights how important the domestic pipeline is.
It’s a pretty good example of how clubs can grow their own talent locally instead of always looking abroad.
How high he climbs will probably come down to how he handles the physical demands of a full MLS season. If he manages that, you might just be watching a midfielder who not only strengthens San Jose’s identity but also helps set a new bar for homegrown players across the league.
