Edwin Cerrillo LA Galaxy Midfielder #6 Analysis of Performance and Impact

Edwin Cerrillo, rocking the #6 for the LA Galaxy, has quickly become one of those midfielders you just can’t ignore. If you’ve caught a Galaxy match lately, you’ve seen him—snappy passes, clutch tackles, and a work rate that doesn’t quit.

He came over from FC Dallas, and honestly, he wasted no time earning a regular spot in the starting eleven. Cerrillo breaks up plays, helps launch attacks, and just looks comfortable anchoring the midfield.

So, what actually sets Cerrillo apart from your average MLS midfielder? He reads the game well and covers a ton of ground, especially when the pressure’s on. Even though he’s still young, Cerrillo already brings a calm and focus that gives the Galaxy’s midfield some real backbone.

Stats? Oh, he’s got them. Last MLS season, Cerrillo racked up over 2,000 minutes, kept his passing accuracy above 85%, made 40 tackles, 27 interceptions, and completed 1,300 passes. If you’re a Galaxy supporter—or just like watching American soccer—he’s a name you’ll want to remember. For more on his career, check out the LA Galaxy team page for Edwin Cerrillo.

Profile of Edwin Cerrillo

Edwin Cerrillo isn’t just another face in the LA Galaxy midfield. He stands out thanks to his relentless energy, tactical smarts, and a maturity you don’t always see in a holding midfielder.

His story? It’s classic American soccer—a steady climb, a lot of discipline, and a real focus on mastering that defensive midfield role.

Background and Early Life

Cerrillo’s soccer journey started in Waco, Texas, where he was born on October 3, 2000. He grew up in Frisco, Texas, which, let’s be honest, has turned into a bit of a soccer hotbed for young talent.

He climbed through the FC Dallas Academy, a program that keeps churning out top prospects. That early training gave him solid fundamentals, especially with his technique and positioning in midfield.

By 18, Cerrillo signed his first pro contract and jumped into Major League Soccer with FC Dallas in 2019. He didn’t explode onto the scene, but he earned his minutes the hard way—by being consistent and reliable.

Eventually, he made the switch to LA Galaxy, where he’s now a key midfielder and keeps showing off his work ethic on a bigger stage. Cerrillo’s rise is a great example of what can happen when American players get the right foundation and support.

Physical Attributes

Cerrillo’s build really fits the demands of his role. He stands at 5’9” (1.75 m) and weighs in at 174 pounds (79 kg), which lets him combine strength and mobility.

He shines most in duels. Cerrillo doesn’t win the ball with pure speed, but with agility and smart positioning. He wins possession and moves it on fast.

His stamina? It’s impressive. He regularly goes the distance, and you can see his physical maturity, even though he’s still pretty young.

Watch how he uses his body to shield the backline. When the pressure’s on, Cerrillo leans on both his frame and quick feet to disrupt attacks. This combo makes him a reliable shield in front of the Galaxy’s defense.

Attribute	Measurement
Height	5’9″ (1.75 m)
Weight	174 lbs (79 kg)
Position	Defensive midfielder
Dominant Foot	Right
Jersey Number	6

Playing Position and Style

Cerrillo sets up as a defensive midfielder, and he just looks at home there. He intercepts passes, breaks up attacks, and keeps the tempo right where the Galaxy want it.

You’ll rarely catch him lunging into reckless tackles. Instead, he relies on reading the game and anticipation to win possession and give his team a chance to reset.

He usually picks up the ball just ahead of the back four, then uses short, crisp passes to keep things moving or switch the play. Cerrillo’s positional discipline lets his teammates trust him for balance.

He holds his ground, fills in gaps, and helps coordinate pressing with the rest of the midfield. That reliability is a big reason he’s the trusted #6 for LA Galaxy. For more about his role, check his LA Galaxy player profile.

Edwin Cerrillo at LA Galaxy

Cerrillo has locked down the No. 6 spot for LA Galaxy, and you can see his influence in both defensive work and smart ball distribution. As the Galaxy adapt under new leadership, Cerrillo’s style in the defensive midfield shapes a lot of what the team does well.

Role as a Midfielder

You’ll spot Cerrillo playing deep, breaking up plays, and moving the ball from the back to the attack. His awareness and disciplined positioning help him cover dangerous spots before things get out of hand.

He sticks to the center, connecting defense and midfield. Cerrillo rarely abandons his job as a shield in front of the back four. Teammates count on him to close passing lanes and snag back possession.

At LA Galaxy, he likes to keep things simple—short, safe passes to maintain possession, but he’s always looking for a chance to spark a transition. That reliability has made him a regular starter since his arrival from Dallas.

Here’s a quick look at his core stats since joining the Galaxy:

Season	Appearances	Starts	Minutes Played	Pass Accuracy	Tackles per Game
2023	12	10	810	86%	2.1
2024	19	17	1400	88%	2.3

Impact on the Team

Every good midfield needs a stabilizer, and Cerrillo brings that in spades. After arriving from FC Dallas, he helped LA Galaxy tighten up defensively and move the ball more smoothly from back to front.

The coaching staff trusts him to set the tone for discipline and shape in the middle. Because he reads the game so well, the more creative players can push forward without worrying.

The Galaxy’s defense looks calmer and more organized when Cerrillo anchors the midfield. Stats show the team concedes fewer goals with him on the pitch, which says a lot.

He’s also durable. Cerrillo has played nearly every minute since mid-2023, rarely picking up cards or missing games. That consistency lets the Galaxy press higher and win the ball back faster. For more on his trade and journey, check the traded to LA Galaxy summary.

Recent Performances

Cerrillo’s recent games have been all about reliability. Over the last eight matches, he’s started and finished almost every minute, keeping his passing accuracy high and his defensive work sharp.

He’s calm under pressure—just look at his performance against Inter Miami, where he held his own against some big names and kept midfield turnovers to a minimum. Coaches and teammates have noticed his adaptability and composure.

With Cerrillo in the lineup, LA Galaxy’s midfield just looks more organized. He’s limited opponents’ chances from central areas, proving why he’s valued as one of MLS’s top defensive midfielders. For the latest, check his official LA Galaxy profile.

MLS Career Overview

Edwin Cerrillo has put together a solid MLS career so far. He’s made the most of his chances, picked up valuable experience at two clubs, and keeps showing up as a steady midfield presence.

FC Dallas Tenure

You probably first heard about Cerrillo when he broke through as a Homegrown talent at FC Dallas. He signed from the academy in 2019 and jumped straight into MLS action, handling the defensive midfield with poise and smart passing.

FC Dallas gave him regular minutes, sometimes as a starter, sometimes off the bench. Cerrillo built a reputation for smart positioning and tackling.

He became the guy coaches trusted to protect the back line and keep possession ticking over. His soccer IQ and maturity drew praise, and he handled big matches with a calmness that was hard to miss.

By the time he left Dallas, Cerrillo was known as a steady, low-maintenance midfielder—someone who just didn’t make many mistakes.

Major League Soccer Statistics

Cerrillo’s MLS stats show his consistency and his focus on defensive duties. Here’s a snapshot of his numbers with FC Dallas and LA Galaxy:

Season	Club	Appearances	Starts	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists	Yellow Cards	Red Cards
2019–2023	FC Dallas	87	63	5,600+	0	2	10	0
2023–2025	LA Galaxy	30+	20+	1,800+	0	1	3	0

He’s not a goal scorer, but his passing and defensive stats are impressive. Cerrillo ranks near the top in interceptions and tackles—exactly what you want from a holding midfielder.

Accolades and Achievements

Cerrillo hasn’t picked up a ton of trophies, but his career highlights show a steady climb through MLS. He helped FC Dallas reach the playoffs a few times and kept that consistency going with LA Galaxy.

He also played a role in an MLS Cup run, which says a lot about his value in big moments. Cerrillo’s known for reliability and professionalism, and he’s earned respect from just about everyone in the league. For his latest updates, check his official MLS profile.

The LA Galaxy Trade

Edwin Cerrillo’s move from FC Dallas to LA Galaxy was a big one in MLS circles. The deal filled key needs for both teams and changed up the roster and budget picture, with General Allocation Money playing a part.

Details of the Transaction

Alright, let’s break it down. LA Galaxy went out and grabbed Edwin Cerrillo, that number 6 midfielder, from FC Dallas back in early August 2023.

Cerrillo, Dallas’s 24th Homegrown signing, already had close to 100 appearances for the club before the move.

The trade didn’t drag on—it came together fast, right in the thick of the MLS season. LA Galaxy needed more bodies in midfield, especially with all those injuries piling up.

Cerrillo, who’s got a knack for breaking up play and distributing quickly, looked like the perfect fit.

LA Galaxy sent FC Dallas a package—some guaranteed money, with more possible if Cerrillo hit certain marks. That gave Dallas some flexibility, while Galaxy got themselves a proven MLS starter.

You can get the nitty-gritty from LA Galaxy’s official announcement.

General Allocation Money

General Allocation Money—GAM, as everyone calls it—played a big role in the trade. LA Galaxy agreed to pay $200,000 in guaranteed GAM to FC Dallas for Cerrillo.

If things go well, that number could climb to $600,000, depending on how Cerrillo performs and how the club does.

GAM is one of those MLS quirks. Teams use it to manage their salary cap, pay transfer fees, or even buy down contracts.

It’s a flexible tool, and it definitely shaped this deal. If you want more on the financials, NBCDFW’s summary lays it out.

Transfer Implications

FC Dallas, by moving Cerrillo, opened up salary budget and a roster slot. That gives them a chance to chase other players or bring up fresh talent.

The allocation money they landed gives them more options for building the squad.

On the flip side, LA Galaxy filled a pressing need. Cerrillo came in as a defensive-minded midfielder, ready to shield the back line and keep things tidy.

With injuries in the midfield, his arrival couldn’t have come at a better time.

This trade really shows off how MLS teams use those unique league mechanisms. Both clubs adjusted their rosters, working the rules, and that’s how you shape a team’s approach on the field.

Cerrillo Stats Before Trade:

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2022	FC Dallas	30	0	1
2023*	FC Dallas	21	0	0
	(*before move)

Notable Figures and Analysis

Let’s talk about Edwin Cerrillo’s journey with LA Galaxy. There are plenty of voices out there shaping how we see his role, and honestly, the reporting has been pretty thorough.

Tom Bogert’s Reporting

You can’t talk MLS trades without bringing up Tom Bogert. The guy’s everywhere when something happens.

Bogert highlighted Cerrillo’s rise—from a Homegrown player at Dallas to a reliable piece in the Galaxy midfield.

He really zeroed in on Cerrillo’s defensive skills, especially in games where possession matters. Bogert often pointed out Cerrillo’s positioning and cool passing under pressure.

He even compared Cerrillo’s growth to other midfielders in the league his age, showing just how unique his style is.

Bogert’s reports put a spotlight on Cerrillo’s tactical awareness and his knack for reading the game. His analysis focused on how Cerrillo adds both grit and calm to Galaxy’s midfield.

Expert Opinions on Cerrillo

Soccer analysts love talking about Cerrillo’s calm presence and technical efficiency out there. Most agree—he’s built for that defensive midfielder spot, where every decision needs to be sharp.

Let’s check out some of Cerrillo’s recent league stats, which experts often bring up:

Season	Club	Appearances	Starts	Goals	Assists	Passing %
2024	LA Galaxy	23	20	0	2	88%

Analysts keep highlighting his passing accuracy and his ability to break up plays. You see it in match reports and tactical breakdowns—Cerrillo’s work really anchors LA Galaxy’s midfield.

At just 24 years old, Cerrillo has become a key part of the game plan, especially against top teams. He’s taking on big marking assignments and showing he belongs.

For more on his stats, check his LA Galaxy profile.

Contract and Financial Overview

Edwin Cerrillo’s move to LA Galaxy brings some contract details worth noting. Coming in as a homegrown midfielder from Dallas, his new deal shapes his current and future value in MLS.

Salary and Contract Details

Cerrillo’s contract is pretty straightforward and right in line with MLS standards. After the trade, he signed a multi-year deal with LA Galaxy.

He’s set to earn a base salary of $400,000 for 2025, and that’s also his cap hit. That puts him right in the mix for young, starting midfielders in the league.

His contract runs through December 31, 2026, so LA Galaxy have him locked in for two more seasons. The weekly wage comes out to about $7,692, not counting bonuses or incentives.

If you’re keeping tabs on team spending, that’s a solid deal for a 24-year-old getting real minutes. You can see more numbers on Cerrillo’s contract at Capology.

Season	Base Salary	Expiration Date
2025	$400,000	Dec 31, 2026
2026	$400,000	Dec 31, 2026

Homegrown Status

When Cerrillo joined LA Galaxy in 2023, he arrived as a former FC Dallas homegrown signing. He came up through Dallas’s academy, where clubs pour resources into youth development to avoid big transfer fees.

That homegrown label brings perks in MLS, making his contract even more valuable under the cap.

For LA Galaxy, Cerrillo’s background gives the front office flexibility—lower cost, more control, and a chance to build around American talent. It’s a smart play.

You see teams like Galaxy betting on homegrowns because they can develop, stick around longer, and give you more bang for your buck. Cerrillo’s rise from the Dallas academy fits right into MLS’s push to spotlight domestic talent over expensive imports.

Future Outlook

Alright, let’s look ahead a bit. Cerrillo’s current deal gives LA Galaxy some real flexibility in the midfield, but also a sense of stability you don’t always get with young players.

He’s only 24, and he’s locked in through 2026. That means the club gets a young, reliable option as tactics shift or the roster changes.

LA Galaxy can build their midfield depth around him. And if they ever need to, they could use him as a key piece in a trade, or maybe as a cornerstone for a playoff push.

His salary? It’s probably going to stay reasonable, even as the roster gets more expensive and the league cap shifts. If he keeps getting better, maybe we’ll hear about a new deal or a pay bump, but right now, his contract fits the plan.

By keeping control of Cerrillo’s rights, LA Galaxy avoid those dreaded bidding wars or the chaos of free agency. That’s a big plus for long-term planning, no question.

You can check out his contract status and all those option years through at least 2028 in this extended contract details report.