D. Padelford Minnesota United FC Defender #2 Profile, Stats, and Impact

Alright folks, if you follow Minnesota United FC, you’ve probably spotted the emergence of D. Padelford, defender rocking that #2 jersey. Padelford’s turned into a reliable piece of Minnesota’s back line, grabbing regular starts and, honestly, showing some real growth out there.

Not so long ago, he played as a left-sided attacker. But when he joined the club’s youth program, he shifted to defense and developed into a dependable player. That’s quite a transition, isn’t it?

Padelford stands as Minnesota United’s first Homegrown Player. The club clearly values local talent and wants to build from within. At just 22, he’s already catching eyes for his composure and athleticism. He’s adapting fast to the gritty demands of Major League Soccer.

Whether you’re a casual fan or you’re glued to every squad rotation, Padelford is a name you’ll want to keep on your radar.

Let’s check out his 2024 season stats so far:

Category	2024 Season (up to July)
Appearances	20
Starts	17
Goals	1
Assists	1
Minutes Played	1,530

Hungry for more? Here’s his player profile on Minnesota United’s website.

Profile of D. Padelford

Padelford lines up as a key defender for Minnesota United FC, wearing that familiar number 2. You’ll find important details about his name, background, and playing position—and hey, even a quick guide on how to pronounce his name.

Full Name and Personal Details

Devin Padelford was born January 3, 2003, in Maplewood, Minnesota. He stands at 183 cm and weighs about 78 kg.

He’s American through and through, and he’s spent his entire pro career so far at Minnesota United FC. Not a bad start for a local guy.

At 21, people recognize Padelford for his journey from youth attacker to reliable defender. His soccer story is rooted right here in Minnesota, and he joined MNUFC as their first Homegrown Player from the new Academy. Want the basics? Here you go:

Full Name	Date of Birth	Place of Birth	Height (cm)	Weight (kg)	Age
Devin Padelford	2003-01-03	Maplewood, Minnesota	183	78	21

If you want the latest, check his player profile.

Position and Jersey Number

Padelford plays as a defender for Minnesota United FC. He started out as a left-footed attacker, but the club’s Academy moved him back into defense.

Now, he’s a dependable part of Minnesota’s back line. He’s often starting in big matches, especially this 2024 season.

You’ll spot him wearing jersey number 2. His adaptability and vision make him a trusted presence in Minnesota’s defense.

For his latest stats, check out the official MNUFC page.

Pronunciation Guide

If you’re still unsure, it’s pronounced PAD-el-ford. Put the stress on the first syllable.

Announcers and fans sometimes trip over names, but this one’s not too tricky. Get it right and you’ll sound like a pro when you’re chatting about the squad.

Want more background? Head to MNUFC’s page.

Career with Minnesota United FC

Devin Padelford’s journey with Minnesota United FC really stands out. He’s climbed from the club’s academy all the way to the MLS roster, making key contributions along the way.

Joining as a Homegrown Player

Padelford joined Minnesota United FC as the club’s first-ever Homegrown Player from the new youth academy. That marked a big moment for MNUFC, showing a true commitment to building local talent.

He grew up in Maplewood, Minnesota, and already looked promising as a left-footed attacker. When he switched from attack to defense, MNUFC coaches noticed his ability to read the game and defend with real confidence.

The club signed him under the Homegrown Player rule, letting MLS teams promote academy talent right to the first team. That’s a direct line from Minnesota’s grassroots soccer to the pros.

Padelford’s journey set a standard for players hoping to move up from the local academy ranks to the heart of MNUFC’s roster. His arrival helps the club connect with local fans and build a strong homegrown identity.

For more, check out the Devin Padelford profile on MNUFC’s site.

First Team Debut and Early Matches

Padelford made his first appearances for Minnesota United FC’s senior team and earned the trust of the coaching staff. He started as a defender and quickly showed he could handle Major League Soccer.

He logged regular minutes in the 2024 season, often starting in the back line during the first half of the year. His performances were consistent, and he made smart tackles to help Minnesota’s defense hold its shape.

He adjusted to the tempo and physical demands of MLS, and his early matches showed steady progress.

Here’s a quick look at his early stats with the first team:

Season	Appearances	Starts	Goals	Assists
2023	7	4	0	0
2024	22	17	0	1

He keeps earning more responsibility, and fans and coaches track his development every week. For more appearances and stats, check Transfermarkt’s Padelford profile.

Transition from Academy to Senior Squad

Watching Padelford move from the MNUFC Academy to the senior squad highlights the value of strong youth systems. During his academy years, he built a reputation for work ethic, good decisions, and the versatility to play more than one position.

Coaches saw him learn fast as he trained with seasoned veterans. The jump to the senior squad meant tougher competition and higher expectations.

Minnesota United’s coaching staff gave him chances to adapt, mixing minutes at the MLS Next Pro level with first-team training and matches. That blend helped Padelford adjust to the club’s system and the pressure of pro soccer.

His journey shows that MNUFC’s development pathway really works. Padelford has become a role model for future Minnesota-based players, proving you can make the leap from academy prospect to MLS contributor inside the club’s own system.

For a more detailed bio, check out Padelford’s ESPN player profile.

Defensive Role and Playing Style

Padelford has become a regular fixture on the Minnesota United back line. He shows poise that’s rare for a young player.

His style blends defensive skills, a sharp understanding of team tactics, and the quick learning you’d expect from someone who switched positions early on.

Key Attributes as a Defender

Padelford’s quick feet and smart positioning stand out right away. At 6 feet tall, he’s strong in the air and reacts fast to loose balls.

He relies on solid 1v1 defending, using well-timed tackles and strong body control to close down attackers.

He keeps his discipline, rarely making rash fouls that could hurt the team. Padelford reads plays and steps into passing lanes, which is huge for Minnesota United.

Here are some core numbers from his recent season:

Statistic	Value
Appearances	23
Starts	19
Yellow Cards	4
Red Cards	0
Goals	0

He makes a difference with ball recoveries and blocked passes. Padelford’s work rate gives MNUFC a steady presence at the back.

Tactical Fit within MNUFC

Minnesota United leans on Padelford to fill big roles on the defensive line, especially when injuries or rotation hit. His tactical awareness lets him play at left back or even centrally if needed.

That kind of flexibility isn’t common for young defenders. You’ll see Padelford support the attack when the team has the ball, but he doesn’t forget his main job.

The coach trusts Padelford, and you can tell by his consistent minutes, especially early in the 2024 season.

He blends with defensive leaders, follows team tactics, and stays organized during transitions. Padelford’s calm reactions under pressure help keep MNUFC’s defensive structure solid.

Position Switch: Attacker to Defender

Padelford started out as a left-footed attacker before switching to defense in the club academy. That attacking background gives him a bit of an edge.

You can see it when he brings the ball out from the back and connects with midfielders. He’s comfortable passing under pressure, which helps with build-up play and keeping possession.

His time as an attacker makes him more aware of the threats from opposing forwards. That awareness leads to smarter positioning and anticipation, making his adaptation to defense especially valuable for MNUFC.

Statistical Overview

Take a look at Devin Padelford’s value to Minnesota United FC by checking his match data, career milestones, and involvement in big plays. His presence in the back line isn’t just about appearances—it’s about how often he helps stabilize the defense and contribute up the pitch.

Major League Soccer Appearances

Padelford saw action in multiple matches for Minnesota United FC. He really started to become a regular part of the defensive rotation.

In the 2025 season, he played in three MLS games, making one start and logging 92 minutes on the field. That playing time? It shows the coaching staff trusts him as a reliable piece at the back.

Here’s a quick breakdown of his MLS appearances for Minnesota United FC:

Season	Matches Played	Matches Started	Minutes Played
2025	3	1	92

Most of his minutes came as a substitute, which means the club’s easing him into bigger roles. Padelford’s adaptability and steady growth really matter for a Minnesota squad trying to shore up its defensive foundation.

You can check out more stats at footballstatistics.co.uk.

Notable Moments and Milestones

Padelford became Minnesota United FC’s first Homegrown Player to rise from their academy system. That’s a big milestone in club history, no question.

He started out as an attacker in his early days, but switched to defense during his time with the MNUFC Academy. That move paid off—he landed a contract with the senior team and worked his way into the main rotation.

He made his debut for Minnesota in 2023, getting consistent matchday selections. During 2024, he held down the back line, especially early in the season when injuries and international call-ups hit the team. When Minnesota needed someone to fill gaps and bring stability, Padelford stepped up and delivered.

You can read more about his milestones at MNUFC.com.

Assists and Goals Contribution

Padelford’s game is all about defending, not piling up goals or assists. That’s pretty typical for a left-footed defender.

In the 2025 MLS season, he didn’t notch any goals or assists in his three league appearances. His main job is to hold the line, make clearances, and help start play from the back.

Even if the stats don’t show direct goal involvements, he helps by starting attacks from deeper positions. He gives teammates an outlet, keeps the shape, and helps move the ball upfield.

For updated records of his goals and assists, check fctables.com.

Development through MNUFC Academy

Devin Padelford’s journey with Minnesota United FC really highlights the importance of youth development. He rose from a young academy player all the way to the first team defender.

Academy Achievements

When a player like Padelford commits early to a strong youth academy, you can see the results. He joined the newly launched MNUFC academy’s U-19 team in 2021 and jumped right into high-level competition.

Padelford played in 13 MLS Next matches for Minnesota United, starting regularly and making an impact on both ends of the field.

He finished that first MLS Next season with 2 goals and 8 assists. That’s a solid return for a developing defender.

His mix of technical skill and game sense helped him stand out.

Key Stats Table:

Season	MLS Next Matches	Goals	Assists
2021-2022	13	2	8

Padelford’s performances at the youth level earned him training sessions with the first team and, eventually, a professional contract.

Pathway to Professional Football

The road from youth player to MLS starter isn’t easy, but Padelford’s story kind of lays out a blueprint for success at Minnesota. He first made waves with St. Croix Soccer Club, where he helped win the Las Vegas Cup and a handful of state titles.

He jumped at the chance to join MNUFC’s academy, moving from local club soccer to a pro development environment. That brought new challenges and sharpened his edge.

Padelford became Minnesota United’s first official Homegrown signing from their Youth Development Program. His quick progress in the academy landed him first-team training, and by the 2024 season, he was a regular starter.

That path really shows how investing in youth can pay off with real minutes for local talent.

For more on Padelford’s transition and stats, check his Minnesota United FC player profile.

Notable Collaborations and Teammates

Strong relationships and teamwork shape any player’s career, and Padelford’s no different. He’s grown with Minnesota United FC, both with the senior team and the academy.

The defenders, keepers, and coaches around him all play a part as he settles into his role.

Connection with MNUFC2

Padelford’s early journey really stands out when you look at his time with MNUFC2, the club’s developmental squad. Those games gave him real minutes against rising talent in MLS Next Pro.

He used that stretch to build his skills, find confidence, and adapt to the team’s style.

Padelford’s play at MNUFC2 caught the eye of the main club. That led to his first-team debut in 2022 during a U.S. Open Cup match.

He played both left-back and sometimes in central defense, learning to read the game and handle different tactical setups.

Here’s a quick look at his MNUFC2 stats:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2022	16	1	2	1230

Moving through the club’s system let Padelford build chemistry with teammates and get to know coaching strategies.

Partnership with Alec Smir

A defender’s partnership with his keeper is always critical, and Padelford’s connection with Alec Smir on MNUFC2 was impressive. When a defender and goalkeeper trust each other and communicate, you can really see the difference.

Smir’s experience and leadership from the back helped Padelford adjust to the faster pace and higher demands of pro soccer.

Their partnership led to better organization along the back line and a reliable defensive shape. Smir often guided Padelford’s positioning, especially against teams that pressed high.

That kind of understanding gave the midfielders more freedom to push forward, knowing they had steady support behind them.

Working with Coaching Staff

Padelford’s growth really took off under the Minnesota United coaching staff. These coaches put a big emphasis on tactical discipline and the basics of defending—stuff that, honestly, you just can’t fake on the field.

They ran regular sessions that drilled smart positioning and quick decisions. Sometimes, you could almost hear them on the sideline, urging players to read the game and anticipate what’s coming next.

You can tell this staff cares about its young players. Padelford got plenty of one-on-one feedback, plus video breakdowns where coaches didn’t just highlight his strengths—they weren’t shy about pointing out mistakes either.

The way the coaches communicated and mapped out his path forward made a real difference. Padelford’s journey from the academy, to MNUFC2, and then up to the senior squad? That really shows how much the club believes in developing homegrown talent. You can dig into that a little more in the club profile.