J. Rosales Minnesota United FC Midfielder #8 Profile, Stats, and Impact
If you’ve kept an eye on Minnesota United FC, the name J. Rosales is probably familiar. He wears the number 8 and injects real energy into the midfield every time he steps on the pitch.
J. Rosales has turned into a key figure for Minnesota United, known for handling both midfield and left-back duties. He makes his presence felt on both sides of the ball. He plays direct, covers a ton of ground, and isn’t shy about joining the attack with crisp passes and smart movement.
At just 24, Rosales already brings years of MLS experience, plus international caps for Honduras. You can see how he adapts, switching positions to fill gaps when Minnesota needs him most.
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Want to dive deeper? Here’s a quick look at his journey, some highlights, and why fans around Allianz Field can’t stop talking about J. Rosales at Minnesota United FC. Check out the stats below—numbers never lie.
| Season | Games | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 24 | 1,900 | 3 | 11 |
| 2023 | 29 | 2,200 | 2 | 7 |
Contents
Profile of J. Rosales
You don’t just get to know a player by where he lines up. You get to know him by where he’s from and what he brings every match.
Joseph Rosales, Minnesota’s number 8, stands out for his versatility and that steady presence in both midfield and defense.
Full Name and Background
Joseph Yerimid Rosales Erazo, usually just Joseph Rosales, runs the midfield for Minnesota United FC. Born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, he brings that international edge to the Loons’ engine room.
He started out in the Honduran youth system, then moved to Panama to play for CA Independiente. That’s where he really sharpened his game.
After his stint with Independiente, Minnesota United brought him in on loan in August 2021. The club liked what they saw and made the deal permanent in 2023.
Rosales has also suited up for the Honduras national team, holding down the midfield in tough matches. He gives both club and country a unique, reliable option in multiple spots.
Date of Birth and Physical Attributes
Joseph Rosales was born on November 6, 2000, in Tegucigalpa. At 24, he’s right in that sweet spot for a pro footballer.
He stands about 5-foot-10, which gives him a nice blend of strength and agility. He’s strong enough for the battles, but quick enough to cover ground all over the field.
Rosales has a solid build, so he’s tough in the air and hard to knock off the ball. His stamina is impressive—you can count on him to go the distance, rarely fading late in games.
He combines physical play with smart positioning, and that’s a big reason he’s made his mark in MLS.
Quick Facts Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph Yerimid Rosales Erazo |
| Date of Birth | November 6, 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Tegucigalpa, Honduras |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Current Club | Minnesota United FC |
Playing Positions
Rosales mainly works in central midfield, acting as both a disruptor and distributor for Minnesota. But he’s not boxed in—he often fills in at left back or wide midfield, plugging holes wherever needed.
He’s played all over the midfield in both MLS and international matches, which really shows off his range and willingness to adapt.
In 2023, he made 25 appearances in different roles—winger, central midfielder, and fullback. What jumps out is his discipline: he never forgets his defensive duties, even when he pushes forward.
For Honduras, he’s mostly played in the middle, shining as a balanced, steady presence. With Rosales, you can tweak your tactics on the fly, knowing he’ll handle whatever you throw at him.
Minnesota United FC Career
Joseph Rosales has really locked down a spot in Minnesota’s midfield. His rise from promising Honduran prospect to regular starter shows just how much he’s grown—and how much the coaching staff trusts him.
Transfer and Contract Details
Minnesota United first brought Rosales in on loan from CA Independiente back in August 2021. He impressed right away, and the club signed him permanently on a one-year deal with options for 2024 and 2025.
The front office doubled down, renewing his contract in 2025. Now, Rosales is locked in through 2027, with a club option for 2028.
He’s become a key piece in the club’s plans moving forward. If you want the nitty-gritty on his contract, you can check out Minnesota United FC or Deadspin.
Role and Position with MNUFC
Rosales usually lines up as a central midfielder, often wearing the number 8. He’s comfortable sliding to left back when the situation calls for it.
Minnesota values his versatility and relentless work rate. He’s the kind of player you throw in to control tempo or shore up the defense.
You’ll see Rosales lead by example. Against teams like Real Salt Lake or Philly, he tracks back, covers every blade of grass, and breaks up counters.
His passing helps Minnesota transition from defense to attack, making him a crucial cog in the lineup.
Key Attributes
- Position: Central Midfielder, Left Back
- Height: 5 ft 10 in
- Weight: 152 lbs
- Nationality: Honduras
- Number: 8
- Preferred foot: Left
Notable Performances and Highlights
Rosales made a name for himself in the U.S. Open Cup, where his tackles and sharp positioning stood out, especially against Austin FC.
He doesn’t always grab the headlines, but his ability to keep possession and make key stops is invaluable—especially when the heat is on.
He’s delivered big performances against top MLS teams. In a recent game versus Vancouver, he covered a ton of ground and brought stability, even when the team was under pressure.
Through multiple seasons, Rosales has stepped up as a steadying anchor, bringing discipline and composure when Minnesota needs to see out a result.
Recent Statistics with Minnesota United FC:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 25 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| 2024 | 27 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| 2025* | 17 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
*through July 22, 2025
For a deeper dive into his numbers, check out his player profile on ESPN.
Club Career Chronology
Joseph Rosales kicked off his pro career in Honduras before making a splash on the international scene. His time at CA Independiente molded him into a versatile, dependable midfielder and set the stage for bigger things.
Early Years with Independiente
Rosales started out in Honduras, learning the ropes with local clubs. His early years focused on becoming adaptable, working on ball control and smart positioning.
He made his senior debut with CA Independiente in Panama. Scouts quickly noticed his tactical smarts and impressive stamina, which earned him a spot in the first team.
This stretch was huge for his development, giving him the chance to test himself in tougher competitions and get noticed by bigger clubs.
CA Independiente gave Rosales a platform to face some of the region’s best young talent. His steady play in league matches and tournaments helped him get on the radar for a move abroad.
Contributions to CA Independiente
During his time at CA Independiente, Rosales established himself as an influential force in midfield. His pressing and passing pushed the team forward.
Managers trusted him with defensive duties on the left and in central midfield. He helped the team through qualification runs in local tournaments and saw action in regional competitions.
Playing in the CONCACAF Champions League gave him a taste of international competition, sharpening his game for bigger challenges.
Teammates leaned on his knack for winning the ball back and sparking counters. That reliability made him a standout and caught the eye of scouts from larger leagues.
Appearances and Goals
Rosales’ stats from his early club days show steady progress. At CA Independiente, he played nearly 40 league games.
He didn’t score a ton, but he chipped in with assists and was always working hard.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liga Panameña de Fútbol | 36 | 2 | 5 |
| CONCACAF Champions League | 6 | 0 | 1 |
He wasn’t racking up goals, but he made a difference by controlling the pace and supporting attacks. His ball security and discipline made him a real asset and set him up for his jump to Minnesota United FC.
For more details on his club record, you can always check his Minnesota United profile.
International Experience
Joseph Rosales has built a solid rep with Honduras on the international stage. He’s played in youth tournaments, Olympic campaigns, and earned senior team call-ups—always showing up in high-pressure moments.
Honduras Men’s National Team
Folks, you’ve watched Joseph Rosales rise from a bright young prospect to a real fixture for the Honduras men’s national team. He kicked off his senior international career in his early twenties, and right away, he started making a difference in midfield and at left-back.
His steady club play caught the eye of national team coaches, earning him regular call-ups. That’s no accident—it speaks volumes about his drive and skill.
Rosales has worn the Honduras shirt at both youth and senior levels. He made his debut in competitive fixtures, showing he could handle different roles and tactics as needed.
Coaches love his versatility, especially in those tough CONCACAF away games. You know the ones—where grit and composure mean everything.
Since 2022, his caps and starts have only gone up. By 2025, he’s still suiting up for Honduras, often taking the field in those all-important FIFA International Window matches. You can check out his player profile for the full rundown.
World Cup and Olympic Qualifying
If you’ve ever followed a CONCACAF qualifying run, you know how wild it gets. Rosales has played for both the U23s and the senior squad during some of the region’s most intense qualifying tournaments.
He’s gone toe-to-toe with rivals like the United States, Costa Rica, and Canada. That’s no easy task—those matches can get heated fast.
When it comes to World Cup qualifying, Rosales has earned praise for his discipline and awareness. Coaches have moved him around the pitch—sometimes midfield, sometimes fullback—and he’s handled it all.
That kind of flexibility gives Honduras more options, both for roster choices and tactical tweaks.
Let’s take a quick look at some qualifying stats:
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup Qualifying (Senior) | 7 | 1 | 2 |
| Olympic Qualifying (U23) | 5 | 0 | 1 |
These numbers show just how much he’s started to matter in the big moments, especially when the stakes are sky-high.
Tokyo Olympics Participation
You can’t really talk about Rosales’s journey without mentioning his turn at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Representing Honduras on that stage? That’s a dream for any player.
He joined the U23 squad and took on some heavy hitters at the Games. Rosales started matches in the group stage and played a key defensive role against teams like South Korea and New Zealand.
He brought nonstop energy to midfield and transitions. Sometimes, you could see the nerves, but his technical play and decisions under pressure stood out.
Honduras landed in a tough group and, yeah, didn’t make the knockout rounds. Even so, Rosales walked away with invaluable experience. That Olympic run really shaped his growth for both club and country.
Statistics and Achievements
Let’s get into the numbers—because, honestly, they tell the story. Rosales has built a reputation for consistency and flashes of brilliance in Major League Soccer, especially since joining Minnesota United FC.
MLS Appearances and Goals
In Minnesota, Rosales has become a regular. Since joining, he’s appeared in the starting lineup or off the bench, showing he can handle multiple midfield roles.
By the 2025 season, he’d racked up over 80 MLS appearances. That’s not something every player can say.
He might not be banging in goals left and right, but he’s steady. His composure, smart positioning, and awareness in the attack count for a lot more than just raw numbers.
| Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 25 | 1 |
| 2023 | 28 | 2 |
| 2024 | 30 | 2 |
| Total | 83 | 5 |
He’s found the net in some clutch league games, too. When he gets a chance, he tends to make it count.
Assists Record
Rosales really shines when he’s setting up his teammates. The 2024 MLS season? That was a breakout for him—he tallied 11 assists and ranked among the top midfield providers in the league.
He delivers sharp crosses and clever passes, always looking to create something in the final third.
His vision lets him spot plays before they develop. Out wide, he’s especially dangerous, often setting up clean chances in the box.
Racking up assists like this makes him a huge asset, not just for his own stats but for lifting the whole Minnesota attack.
So far, he’s logged more than 20 assists in MLS, including a handful of multi-assist matches and game-winning setups.
You really see his influence whenever Minnesota builds a quick attack—his passing in transition stands out.
If you want the full breakdown of his playmaking growth, check out his season stats on the Minnesota United FC site.
Awards and Honors
Rosales’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s played a big part in Minnesota United’s best seasons lately, locking down a starting spot and earning plenty of praise since his loan became permanent in 2022.
His steady play led to a contract extension—a real vote of confidence from the club.
Individually, Rosales has made the club’s Best XI and picked up Player of the Month honors at his peak. He’s also a regular for the Honduras national team, which says a lot about his level.
He hasn’t snagged league-wide awards yet, but he’s building a solid resume. He’s got key appearances, a strong assist record, and a growing rep as a creator and leader in midfield.
You can always find the latest on his career and international outings on his Transfermarkt profile.
Notable Matches and Opponents
Joseph Rosales has anchored Minnesota United FC’s midfield, stepping up against some of MLS’s best teams and players. His game logs tell the story—he’s kept his cool and made big plays when it matters most.
Key Performances Against MLS Teams
You might remember Rosales turning in solid performances throughout the regular season, but 2022 really stands out.
He played in 24 games that year, starting big matches like the April 10 tilt at Austin FC. When he starts, Minnesota gets a boost in both defense and ball movement.
Here’s a quick look at his 2022 MLS season stats:
| Opponent | Starts | Minutes Played | Yellow Cards | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin FC | 1 | 90 | 0 | 0 |
| LA Galaxy | 1 | 75 | 1 | 1 |
| Seattle Sounders | 1 | 89 | 0 | 0 |
Rosales steps up in close games, providing steady possession and defensive grit. The coaching staff trusts him to handle the tough assignments and see out matches that require real focus.
For a deeper dive, you can check his match history at WhoScored.com.
Matches Against High-Profile Players
Rosales faces top talent week in and week out. Take Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, for example—when Minnesota United lines up against them, you’ll see Rosales dial in, often tracking some of the league’s best midfielders.
He hasn’t faced European giants like PSG or national squads like England, but he’s shared the field with players who’ve been there.
His battles against top strikers and playmakers in MLS, especially in those heated Eastern Conference showdowns, show how he adapts and stays sharp.
You can’t help but respect the way he handles the spotlight. Whether he’s trying to contain Miami’s midfield or break up plays from big-name attackers, Rosales makes his presence felt.
He’s not afraid of the moment, and that’s what you want from a midfield anchor—especially when the opponent’s resume is longer than a winter in Minnesota.
Tournament Highlights
Alright, folks—tournament settings really bring out a different gear in Rosales. Back in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup, he started two out of three matches for Minnesota United.
His coaches clearly trusted him in those knockout moments. When the stakes are high, Rosales just finds another level.
You won’t always see his name lighting up the stat sheet. Still, his impact jumps out at you if you’re watching closely.
He logs consistent minutes and steps up in those crucial cup games. That says plenty about how much the team values him.
In those pressure-packed environments, Rosales dives into the gritty stuff—tackles, simple passes, whatever it takes to keep the team’s shape.
Want to dig deeper into his performances across all competitions? Check out his Minnesota United FC player profile.
