F. Amaya’s Secret Sauce: How Midfielder #23 Outsmarted Opponents (and the Snack Table) This Season

Frankie Amaya’s quickly become a key piece for Los Angeles FC, rocking the number 23 jersey as a central midfielder. If you’ve followed his journey in Major League Soccer, you know what I mean—since joining LAFC on loan from Toluca, Amaya’s steady play and sharp passing have really settled things in the midfield.

He’s only 24, but he brings a surprising amount of experience and a spark of energy to every single match. That’s not something you see every day.

If you’ve been watching LAFC this season, you’ve probably noticed how Amaya breaks up attacks and links up play. His work rate? Off the charts. And his vision on the ball has earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

Fans are catching on, too. Week after week, Amaya’s become one of the most reliable midfielders on the roster.

Here’s a quick look at F. Amaya’s recent stats for Los Angeles FC:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2024	15	0	2

Want the full scoop on his move to LAFC and the loan from Toluca? Check out the official LAFC profile of Frankie Amaya.

F. Amaya at Los Angeles FC

Frankie Amaya joined Los Angeles FC in 2025 on loan from Toluca. He brings energy, vision, and a balanced skill set to LAFC’s midfield as a central midfielder.

He’s become a key figure in the club’s current campaign.

Player Role and Position

You’ll find F. Amaya right in the heart of the pitch, controlling the tempo as a classic central midfielder. His main jobs? Breaking up opposition plays and transitioning the ball forward.

He supports both defense and attack, which isn’t easy. Amaya’s smart positioning and knack for recovering possession help him shield LAFC’s back line.

He’s not just a defensive guy, though. His passing range and tactical awareness let him drive play forward, picking out both short and long passes to spark attacks.

LAFC relies on quick transitions and structure, so Amaya’s cool head and agility in tight spots have made him the glue between the defense and the forwards. He’s versatile, too—you’ll see him fill different roles in the midfield depending on what the game needs.

2025 Season Overview

In 2025, Amaya’s cemented himself as a regular starter for LAFC. You can see his impact in his appearances and key stats.

Here’s a summary of F. Amaya’s available stats with LAFC so far this season:

Appearances	Goals	Assists
18	2	4

His ability to read the game leads to big interceptions and tackles—he stops attacks before they even threaten the penalty area. Amaya rarely picks up unnecessary cards, showing discipline every match.

Coaches and teammates keep praising his consistency and drive. That’s helped LAFC maintain solid results in MLS competition.

Jersey Number 23

Amaya wears number 23 for LAFC. You’ll spot that number on both home and away kits, and it’s quickly become part of his identity with the squad.

When you watch LAFC, seeing number 23 in the midfield means you’re looking at a player the coaches trust to execute the team’s plan. Amaya’s picked up the number 23, a classic for MLS midfielders, and now fans are starting to associate it with high work rate and reliability.

Merch sales with 23 on the back have gone up, and younger fans are starting to copy his playing style. Since he joined LAFC’s roster in 2025, his popularity’s only grown.

Career Timeline and Club History

Frankie Amaya’s journey from a Southern California standout to LAFC’s number 23 has been all about steady progress. He’s moved through youth systems, college, and three different clubs in Major League Soccer and Liga MX.

Every step’s shaped him into a gritty, ball-winning midfielder who’s not afraid to get forward.

Early Career and Youth Development

Amaya’s name started buzzing in Southern California youth circles thanks to his time with Pateadores SC. There, he played in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and showed off his technical skill and soccer IQ.

He committed to UCLA and quickly left his mark in the Bruin midfield. As a freshman, he earned a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team and picked up Freshman All-American honors.

In just one college season, Amaya tallied 2 goals and 2 assists. He built a reputation as a creative, hard-working presence in the center of the field.

Generation Adidas came calling with a contract, and that signaled his potential to MLS scouts. Amaya left school after one season, turning pro with the backing of a league that clearly saw his upside.

FC Cincinnati and the 2019 MLS SuperDraft

In January 2019, the MLS SuperDraft spotlight fell on Amaya. FC Cincinnati selected him first overall, making him the club’s first-ever top pick.

That’s a lot of pressure, but Amaya brought immediate potential to an expansion side looking for an identity. In his rookie year, he played 19 league matches and showed he’d fight for the ball and take risks.

Over two seasons, he made 40 MLS appearances for Cincinnati, scoring once and adding two assists. The club struggled early on, but Amaya’s performances in the middle helped steady things at times.

Key FC Cincinnati Stats:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2019	19	0	1
2020	21	1	1

His time in Cincinnati built his resilience and helped him learn the league’s ins and outs.

New York Red Bulls Years

You saw Amaya traded to the New York Red Bulls in April 2021. He wanted a club that valued hard-nosed midfield play and possession.

At Red Bulls, he found his groove. Playing alongside teammates like Aaron Long, Amaya flourished.

Between 2021 and 2024, he made 91 regular season appearances—starting 73 games. He scored 8 goals and picked up 14 assists. Four multi-assist matches really highlighted his growing playmaking chops.

He learned composure and adaptability in high-pressure playoff races. New York’s pressing style forced Amaya to cover more ground and win tackles higher up the field. He responded by becoming a key figure in the NYRB midfield.

Toluca and Move to Liga MX

Amaya’s steady rise in MLS caught attention from abroad. In early 2025, he signed with Toluca FC of Liga MX, looking for a new challenge and a step up in competition.

At Toluca, he had to adapt to a new tactical approach and a different language. That tested his abilities in one of Mexico’s top leagues.

Not long after joining Toluca, Amaya went on loan to Los Angeles FC. Now, he’s back in MLS, representing his hometown club as their #23 midfielder.

Playing for both Toluca and LAFC really highlights his versatility and increasing value on both sides of the border.

You can find more details on Amaya’s current status by checking his LAFC player profile or his career snapshot at Transfermarkt.

MLS Experience, Achievements, and Stats

Frankie Amaya’s built a reputation as a technical, hard-working midfielder in MLS. You can see his improvement in every phase of his career—from the rookie year to his recent LAFC matches.

Notable MLS Moments

Amaya started his pro career as the first overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft with FC Cincinnati. Maybe you remember his first league goal—a sharp finish against Atlanta United that really showed his potential.

He’s played over 130 MLS matches, earning respect for relentless pressing and his quick ball movement. Amaya’s not flashy, but his reliability led to that big transfer to the New York Red Bulls.

He scored nine goals and delivered seven assists with FC Cincinnati and New York Red Bulls, cementing his place as a dependable midfield presence.

When Amaya joined LAFC on loan from Toluca in 2025, his profile only grew. Playing under the bright lights in Los Angeles, he’s kept up the strong passing, smart positioning, and defensive reads.

He wears 23 for LAFC and stands out as a versatile midfielder who can use both feet.

Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
FC Cincinnati	40	1	1
New York Red Bulls	91	8	6
LAFC (2025, loan)	—	—	—
MLS Total	131+	9	7

Key Match Performances

When you look at Amaya’s career, a few games really stand out. In 2021 with New York, he scored twice in a single match against D.C. United and took home Player of the Match honors.

That game showed his knack for arriving late in the box and finishing under pressure. In tight matches against top Eastern Conference teams, Amaya delivered big assists or broke up attacks—making him valuable beyond just stats.

His LAFC matches have kept that same intensity. You’ll see crisp passing in tight spaces and a veteran approach to transition defense.

If you watch games from 2024, you’ll notice Amaya often leads midfielders in ground covered and tackles won. That work rate sets the tone for his teams.

MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup

Amaya’s teams have reached the playoffs, but he hasn’t lifted an MLS Cup yet. With the New York Red Bulls, he played in MLS Cup Playoff matches, providing defensive coverage and moving the ball quickly even when results didn’t go their way.

In the Leagues Cup, Amaya came off the bench with safe passing and plenty of energy, showing he can adapt to tournament play. He also played crucial minutes for Cincinnati during the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020.

His move to LAFC puts him in position to see more postseason action. Amaya’s experience and calm under pressure should be a big asset for LAFC’s playoff and cup runs.

International Background and Representation

F. Amaya’s path with the United States at the youth level highlights his early promise and technical skill. He gained attention for his performances against strong international talent, showing composure and vision in midfield.

United States U-20 National Team

You probably know Frankie Amaya as a steady MLS midfielder, but let’s rewind to where it all began—with the United States U-20 National Team. Back in 2018, coaches called up Amaya to the U-20 squad while he was still a teenager. That says a lot about his early promise and development as a midfielder.

He earned his spot after showing flashes in college and early MLS games. Amaya stepped onto the field with some of the best young talent from around the globe. During his U-20 stint, he played central midfield and stood out for quick passing, smart positioning, and a relentless work rate.

Coaches at the youth national team level trusted him as a reliable option. He kept things tidy and connected play in the middle.

Key U-20 Stats:

Year	Caps	Goals
2018	7	0

Those appearances gave fans a sneak peek at the player he’s become for Los Angeles FC.

Youth Tournaments and International Experience

Looking at Amaya’s journey, his time in youth international tournaments really jumps out. The big one? He represented the U-20s at the 2018 Concacaf U-20 Championship. The U.S. squad won the whole thing, earning a spot in the U-20 World Cup.

Amaya logged key minutes in the midfield, helping the team control the ball against some tough competition. International tournaments gave him a chance to face different styles and higher stakes than he saw back home.

He adjusted well, picking up lessons on and off the ball. Those challenges really sharpened his tactical sense and ability to handle pressure.

Amaya’s strong showings in these tournaments helped him stand out as one of the top young midfielders in the country. That reputation opened doors for him at Los Angeles FC and beyond.

Personal Life and Background

Frankie Amaya’s path in pro soccer really traces back to his early days in California and his run playing at UCLA. Growing up in Santa Ana, his roots and his style both shaped the player he is today.

Early Life and Education

You get a better sense of Amaya’s journey by starting with his youth. Born Franuel Amaya in Santa Ana, California, he grew up in a community where soccer is everywhere.

His family always backed him, spending countless weekends at local fields. Amaya’s talent stood out early.

In school, he juggled classwork with a growing soccer schedule. When he chose UCLA, he joined one of the country’s top college soccer programs.

UCLA pushed him both on the field and in the classroom. His work ethic and focus made him a favorite among teammates, who noticed how quickly he adapted to the college level.

Santa Ana Roots

Santa Ana shapes the way you see soccer if you’re from there. For Amaya, the city gave him a diverse place to grow, surrounded by families who love the game.

You’ll find lots of young players drawing inspiration from pickup games in local parks. The city’s soccer culture played a big role in Amaya’s early development.

He often talks about how local coaches and friends pushed him to get better. That support in Santa Ana kept him grounded.

Even now, Amaya credits his hometown for his drive and resilience. He carries that pride everywhere—whether he’s training or playing in big matches.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

At 163 cm and 63 kg, Frankie Amaya doesn’t win you over with size. Instead, you see his quick feet, balance, and how he weaves through midfield traffic.

Coaches and analysts really appreciate his vision and passing range.

Here’s a quick look at some of his key stats:

Attribute	Value
Height	163 cm
Weight	63 kg
Position	Midfielder
Jersey Number	23

He plays as a central midfielder, controlling tempo and breaking up plays. You’ll spot him reading the game, closing down space, and picking out smart passes.

His style is all about discipline and teamwork. Don’t expect fancy tricks—you get a player who values positioning and anticipation.

That makes Amaya a key cog for Los Angeles FC, especially during his current loan spell as a midfielder (more on his move to LAFC).

Transfer History and Contract Details

Frankie Amaya’s pro journey has been all about smart moves and steady growth. He’s played in both Major League Soccer and Liga MX, and lately, his reputation as a versatile midfielder just keeps growing.

Key Transfers and Loans

Fans first saw Amaya picked No. 1 overall in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by FC Cincinnati. That was his big MLS debut.

He moved to the New York Red Bulls in 2021, with a transfer worth about $1 million. That switch gave him more minutes and a chance to keep developing.

In early 2024, Amaya transferred to Deportivo Toluca in Liga MX. His roles in Mexico shifted a bit, but he still chipped in with two assists in 15 matches for Toluca from 2024 into early 2025.

By April 2025, Amaya returned to MLS on loan to Los Angeles FC from Toluca. The loan runs through the end of 2025 and marks another step forward in his career.

For more on these moves, check out his player profile and the loan announcement.

Transfer Timeline Table

Year	Club	Type
2019	FC Cincinnati	Drafted
2021	New York Red Bulls	Transfer
2024	Deportivo Toluca	Transfer
2025	Los Angeles FC	Loan

Player Value and Contracts

Amaya’s transfer value has climbed as he’s put together solid performances. At New York Red Bulls, he was valued at $1 million.

Now, his estimated transfer value sits somewhere between €2 million and €3.3 million for 2025. His current loan contract with Los Angeles FC runs through December 31, 2025.

During this stint, LAFC gets to use his flexibility across the midfield. Amaya’s contracts have followed the usual MLS pattern—short-term deals, club options, you know the drill.

He hasn’t played in the EPL yet, but with his rising value, who knows what’s next? For more, check his market value and contract info.

Media, Recognition, and Noteworthy Highlights

Frankie Amaya has built a solid reputation both on and off the field. His play for Los Angeles FC and earlier moments in his career have caught the eye of the press and fans.

Awards and Honors

As a standout midfielder, Amaya picked up some real recognition in college. At UCLA, he made Freshman All-American, which highlighted his early promise and work ethic.

That honor put him on the radar for pro scouts and helped launch his MLS career. In the league, Amaya went No. 1 in the SuperDraft and has featured in multiple All-Star games during developmental leagues and select showcases.

His move to LAFC was a big deal, with many seeing him as a player who brings both experience and leadership. Coaches and analysts often point out his discipline, vision, and steady performances.

Here’s a quick rundown of select highlights:

Year	Award/Honor	Team
2018	Freshman All-American	UCLA
2019	No. 1 MLS SuperDraft Pick	FC Cincinnati
2025	Loan Signing	Los Angeles FC

Press Coverage and Videos

You know, the media really can’t help but follow Amaya’s journey, especially after he made that move on loan to Los Angeles FC from Toluca. Local outlets jumped at the chance to talk about his return to southern California, diving into his transition back to MLS in player interviews and coverage.

Sports networks have thrown the spotlight on Amaya, zeroing in on his technical skills and sharp midfield instincts. If you catch the match highlights from June 2025, you’ll spot him rocking the number 23 for LAFC against Vancouver.

Those clips really show off his style and what he brings to the pitch. Want a closer look? Check out some shots of Amaya hustling at BMO Stadium in these game galleries.

When he sits down for interviews, Amaya usually talks about his mindset on the field, always putting the team first and mentioning that hometown pride. The videos and news stories out there? They really paint a picture of a guy who’s never lost touch with where he comes from and who’s earned the respect of his squad and coaches.