Meet J. Reid — The 6’4″ Brick Wall Wearing #99 Who Steals Goals, Hearts, and the Opponents’ Wi‑Fi
You know how crucial a reliable left back is, right? St. Louis City SC found one in J. Reid, the 23-year-old defender wearing #99 who’s earned his spot in Major League Soccer.
The club signed him after he put in steady shifts with CITY2. Reid’s handled the league’s pace and pressure, and he’s brought a calm consistency to a spot that’s honestly pretty demanding.
His path’s easy to trace. He started at the Red Bulls Academy, then spent four years at the University of Connecticut. There, he racked up 51 matches, three goals, and seven assists before making his professional debut in MLS.
That journey took some patience—and a lot of work. Now, it’s the foundation for his role in St. Louis.
Watch Reid for a bit and you’ll pick up on his defensive awareness and composure on the ball. He’s not flashy, but his timing, positioning, and steady presence on the left make a difference.
That’s what gives him value. Honestly, it’s why his story—from college soccer to St. Louis City SC—deserves a closer look.
Contents
J. Reid’s Role at St. Louis City SC
Jayden Reid’s carving out his place in MLS as a young defender. He brings pace, discipline, and he’s always ready to battle for minutes in a back line that wants both structure and a bit of bite.
His path from college to the pros? It’s all about steady growth and adaptability.
Position and Jersey Number
Reid plays as a left back. That spot asks for defensive reliability and the legs to get forward, too.
You’ll notice his speed and one-on-one defending right away. They help him deal with quick wingers, which is no small task.
He wears the No. 99 jersey for St. Louis City SC. It’s a bold number for a defender—kind of stands out, doesn’t it? Feels like it matches his style, too.
Before St. Louis, Reid played college soccer at the University of Connecticut. That’s where he built his base as a solid outside back.
You can see that background in how he positions himself and reads the game.
In a system where fullbacks cover tons of ground, Reid’s main job stays simple: defend first, then join the attack if there’s space.
Key Contributions to the Team
You really see Reid’s value in how the team looks with him at left back. St. Louis City SC has felt more stable when he starts, and the results back that up.
Notable contributions include:
- Winning tough defensive duels near the box
- Making timely overlapping runs to stretch the field
- Two assists with CITY2 before his promotion
He keeps his cool under pressure, which helps balance a back line that sometimes gets stretched in transition.
He doesn’t try to do too much, and that makes him dependable.
The club signed him through 2024, with options for 2025 and 2026. That shows they trust his development.
Recent Performances
Reid made his MLS debut on June 22, 2024, against Atlanta United and played the full 90 minutes.
He followed up with another complete match against San Jose Earthquakes. In those games, St. Louis didn’t lose—a small sample, sure, but it says something.
His numbers show he’s involved:
| Match | Minutes Played | Result | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs. Atlanta United | 90 | Win | Left Back |
| vs. San Jose Earthquakes | 90 | Draw | Left Back |
In both games, he defended with urgency and still managed to give the attack some width. That’s the kind of balance coaches want from a modern fullback.
In January 2025, Reid broke his foot during offseason training in New York and needed surgery. The club said the procedure went well, but his recovery timeline will decide when he returns.
You’ll want to see how he bounces back—injuries like that can shape a young defender’s career.
For now, his early outings give you hope that, once healthy, he’ll fight for a regular spot.
MLS Career and Debut
Here’s a player who climbed from the lower divisions into MLS, earning trust with steady play and resilience.
His path had some bumps, but his first appearances showed why St. Louis CITY SC wanted his defensive reliability and energy on the left.
First MLS Appearance
Jayden Reid made his MLS debut on June 22, 2024, against Atlanta United.
At 22, he started and played all 90 minutes. That kind of trust from the coaching staff? It’s rare for a young defender.
You could see his impact. Reid stayed disciplined, tracked runners, and contributed on the ball.
He didn’t look out of place, even against one of the league’s quicker attacks.
Before that, he spent time at St. John’s University, where he developed his tactical awareness and speed as a left back.
That background really helped him adjust quickly to MLS.
The match also showed off his fitness. He played the whole game and didn’t fade, which matters just as much as any flashy play.
Progression in Major League Soccer
After his debut, Reid kept building minutes in the 2024 season.
St. Louis CITY SC gave him a first-team deal through 2024, with options for 2025 and 2026. That’s a real vote of confidence.
His positioning got better with each game. At first, he showed raw athleticism, but by midseason, he read the game and closed space more effectively.
That growth set him apart from other young defenders.
In January 2025, he broke his foot during training in New York and had surgery. The team reported a three-month recovery on stlcitysc.com.
Even with the injury, the club kept their faith in him.
Contract Timeline
| Year | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | First-team contract | MLS debut season |
| 2025 | Club option | Recovering from surgery |
| 2026 | Club option | Potential long-term role |
Notable Matches
Reid’s first big performance came in his debut against Atlanta United. He picked up an assist and stayed calm under pressure, as St. Louis Magazine pointed out.
That game set the tone for what he can do from left back.
Later in the season, St. Louis CITY SC leaned on him during a stretch of defensive injuries. Reid stepped in and gave the team some much-needed stability.
You’ll also remember matches where CITY SC pressed high. Reid’s pace helped him recover quickly when opponents broke through.
That recovery speed became a real asset in his game.
His best matches might not show up on highlight reels, but they show why coaches keep picking him: reliability, fitness, and a willingness to do the gritty defensive work.
Development Through MLS NEXT Pro
Jayden Reid built his path at St. Louis City SC with steady minutes in MLS NEXT Pro. He used CITY2 as a springboard to the first team.
His growth came from consistent starts, recovering from injury, and adapting against older, tougher opponents.
Performance with CITY2
Reid made his mark with CITY2, St. Louis City SC’s development squad.
Coming out of the University of Connecticut, he needed competitive minutes to sharpen his defensive positioning and decision-making.
MLS NEXT Pro gave him that chance.
He usually played left back, where his speed and one-on-one defending stood out.
He could recover quickly after turnovers, letting CITY2 play a higher line.
Coaches trusted him against some of the league’s best wingers, and he usually held his own.
His time with CITY2 also showed areas to improve. He needed to work on distribution under pressure and staying calm in tight spots.
Facing both academy prospects and veterans, he got to refine those skills every week.
Here’s a look at Reid’s CITY2 numbers from his first season:
| Season | Matches Played | Starts | Minutes | Assists | Key Passes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 14 | 12 | 1,050 | 1 | 7 |
Transition to First Team
Reid’s jump from CITY2 to the first team happened in steps.
He earned his MLS debut on June 22, 2023, against Atlanta United. That was the payoff for all his development work.
St. Louis City SC valued his defensive reliability and his ability to cover ground on the left.
After veteran Jannes Horn left for Europe in mid-2025, Reid became the main left back. That gave him regular starts and more responsibility in a high-pressure environment.
He wasn’t perfect. A slip against LA Galaxy led to a late goal, but he treated it as a lesson and moved on.
That resilience helped him keep his place and keep improving.
Achievements in MLS NEXT Pro
Reid’s time in MLS NEXT Pro wasn’t just about development—it was about results, too.
He helped CITY2 stay competitive and showed he could handle the demands of pro soccer.
You could look at his defensive stats, but his real achievement was consistency.
He logged big minutes, stayed locked in, and proved himself as a reliable option for the senior team.
That kind of steady performance is what separates players who make the leap from those who don’t.
By the end of his run with CITY2, Reid had done enough to earn a first-team contract through 2024, with options for 2025 and 2026.
His rise from CITY2 to the MLS roster really shows how MLS NEXT Pro can launch players who are ready for the next step.
For more about his permanent deal, check out how St. Louis City SC rewarded Reid’s progress.
Early Life and Youth Career
Jayden Reid’s roots shaped his career. His time in New York academies and the city’s soccer culture gave him a strong foundation.
He grew through structured programs and tough competition, which prepared him for college soccer at UConn and, eventually, the pro game.
Date and Place of Birth
Jayden Reid was born on August 30, 2001, in Elmont, New York.
Growing up in Nassau County put him right in the middle of one of the country’s top soccer scenes.
That meant strong youth programs and nonstop competition.
At six feet tall, Reid developed the kind of build that works for a modern fullback.
His early days in Elmont gave him a competitive edge and got him into organized soccer early.
He started out with Jigs Soccer Academy, a local spot where he learned the basics.
By eight, he was already playing structured matches that focused on technical skills.
That early jump helped him stand out when he moved to bigger academy teams.
Red Bulls Academy Experience
Reid’s most important development years? You can trace them right back to the New York Red Bulls Academy. He joined in 2013, took a detour to play with Blau Weiss Gottschee, and then circled back in 2017.
That second run at the Red Bulls lasted until 2019, just before he headed off to the University of Connecticut.
The Red Bulls Academy has a reputation for producing MLS-level talent. Training there means you get professional coaching, tactical lessons, and a real taste of high-level competition.
Here’s a quick look at his youth career timeline:
| Years | Club/Academy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| –2013 | Jigs Soccer Academy | Early training, fundamentals |
| 2013–2015 | NY Red Bulls Academy | First academy stint |
| 2015–2017 | Blau Weiss Gottschee | Local New York powerhouse |
| 2017–2019 | NY Red Bulls Academy | Returned, pre-college phase |
That background set him up for the demands of Division I soccer at UConn. Reid ended up making 51 appearances over four seasons there.
Influence of New York Soccer
Growing up in New York gave Reid more than just access to structured academies. You can really see the city’s diverse soccer culture in his playing style.
Street games and local leagues exposed him to all sorts of styles. That shaped his creativity on the ball.
The Red Bulls Academy hammered in discipline and tactical awareness. But New York soccer? That’s where he learned improvisation—something you notice when he overlaps down the left.
Living close to Red Bull Arena helped, too. He watched pros up close, which made the dream of going from academy to MLS feel real.
By the time he landed at UConn, Reid brought both the polish from academy training and the edge from New York’s soccer scene. That balance helped him adapt to college soccer and later, the pro level with St. Louis City SC.
College Soccer at University of Connecticut
Jayden Reid built his soccer foundation at the University of Connecticut. There, he developed as both a defender and a playmaker.
His years in Storrs gave him steady minutes and a chance to grow. He earned a reputation as a reliable left-sided option.
Collegiate Achievements
Reid’s rise started during his four seasons with the Huskies. As a four-year letterman, he showed durability and commitment. He earned regular roles in multiple campaigns.
In 2021, his junior year, he really stood out. He scored three goals and racked up five assists in only 16 matches.
That season was his most productive, showing he could contribute more than just solid defense.
His time at UConn also brought him face-to-face with top-level competition in the Big East. He had to deal with strong attacking players every week.
That sharpened his defensive awareness and helped him read the game better.
Statistics and Impact
Reid’s numbers tell the story of a player who balanced defense and attack. He made 51 appearances for the Huskies, with 3 goals and 7 assists.
| Season | Matches Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 12 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | 11 | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 16 | 3 | 5 |
His junior year stands out. That’s when his offensive production spiked.
With more responsibility, he pushed forward from left back to support the attack, but still held his defensive shape.
Coaches trusted him in big matches. His steady presence gave the back line some much-needed stability, especially when under pressure in conference play.
Transition from College to Professional
After UConn, Reid took the next step through the academy and into the pro ranks. He’d already spent years with the New York Red Bulls Academy, which created a direct path into Major League Soccer.
In December 2022, the Red Bulls signed him to a homegrown contract. That move recognized his growth at both the academy and college levels.
After that, Reid joined St. Louis CITY SC. He first played for CITY2, then earned a first-team contract.
His college career built a defender who can win the ball and contribute in possession—a blend that fits well in the pro game.
If you want to dig deeper into his pro career, check out his St. Louis CITY SC profile.
Playing Style and Strengths
Reid’s game doesn’t rely on size—he leans on timing, positioning, and mobility. You see a mix of solid defensive awareness and adaptability across roles.
His athleticism gives him the tools for Major League Soccer.
Defensive Skills
On the left, Jayden Reid shows real discipline in one‑on‑one situations. He closes down space fast, forcing attackers wide instead of letting them cut inside.
His recovery speed helps him track runners after turnovers. That’s huge in a league where transitions come thick and fast.
Reid’s positioning keeps getting better. He rarely overcommits—he’ll delay attackers until help arrives.
That patience means he avoids fouls in dangerous spots.
He’s not the tallest defender in the air, but he uses timing and body position to stay competitive. Reading the flight of the ball lets him win challenges against bigger forwards.
Defensive Snapshot (MLS career to date):
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| MLS Starts | 10 |
| Tackles Won % | 63% |
| Interceptions/90 | 1.4 |
| Clearances/90 | 2.7 |
These numbers show a player who values efficiency over just racking up stats.
Versatility on the Field
Reid’s time at UConn and later at Louisville shaped his ability to play all over the field. You’ll usually spot him at left back, but he can push higher as a wingback if the system calls for it.
That flexibility really helped St. Louis CITY SC when depth got thin. After Jannes Horn left for Europe, Reid stepped into the starting role and adjusted on the fly.
He can help in both defense and attack. Sometimes he tucks inside to support the center backs; other times, he drives up the flank to whip in a cross.
That balance makes him valuable on a team that likes to mix up formations.
Physical and Technical Attributes
Reid stands 5’11” and brings a strong build to the pitch. He’s got pace, and you’ll notice he doesn’t tire easily—even late in games.
When he pushes forward for those overlapping runs, he covers a ton of ground. That’s pretty much essential for a fullback. His left foot? It’s solid. He can whip in a precise cross, but more often, he’ll pick the safer pass to keep possession ticking.
Technically, he’s not the finished article yet. Sometimes his first touch lets him down, especially if he’s under real pressure. Still, you can tell he’s making better decisions as he logs more MLS minutes.
After he hurt his foot early in 2025, he came back looking sharper and more confident. You’ve got to respect how he bounced back.
On defense, he really shines in 1v1 duels. He uses his quickness to keep up with tricky wingers and rarely gets left behind.
His tactical awareness is coming along, too. With these physical and technical tools, he’s earned his spot in the lineup and looks set to keep progressing at the top level.
