J. Santiago Los Angeles FC Defender #62 Strengthening the Backline for the 2025 Season
Folks, you’ve probably heard the buzz around young stars breaking through in MLS Next Pro, but let me tell you, 18-year-old Joshua Santiago is a name you’ll want to remember this season. Right now, he’s locking down the right-back spot for Los Angeles FC 2, wearing #62, and he’s turning heads as a reliable defender with sharp instincts and a lot of upside.
His spot on the roster? It’s a sign LAFC’s back line could be in good hands for years to come.
Santiago started his journey with LAFC 2 back in 2023. Since then, he’s impressed with his solid defensive play and smart positioning.
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He’s even caught the eye of the main LAFC squad, earning a short-term contract and a shot at the big stage. If you want the nitty-gritty on his player profile and what he’s up to this season, check out his MLS Next Pro page or peek at his latest stats.
If you love tracking the next wave of defenders rising up in American soccer, Santiago’s story is absolutely worth a look. Watching him handle the heat and keep developing gives you a front-row seat to a career that’s just getting started.
Contents
Profile of J. Santiago
J. Santiago lines up as a young American defender for Los Angeles FC 2, rocking the number 62.
At just 18, he’s already made himself a name in the club’s development system.
Background Information
Joshua Santiago was born January 18, 2007, right here in the United States.
You’ll see him listed as Joshua or Josh Santiago in the major soccer databases.
He’s only 18, but he’s already stepped into the pro ranks with Los Angeles FC 2, showing some real early promise.
Santiago joined LAFC 2 in 2023, coming up through their youth pipeline. He quickly earned a regular spot as a defender.
He’s become known for reliability and discipline on the back line.
His journey from youth soccer to MLS Next Pro really shows off his work ethic and skill.
For more on his career and club history, swing by the LAFC player profile or his Soccerway stats page.
Physical Attributes
Josh Santiago’s build fits the bill for a defender. His exact height and weight? Not out there yet, but judging by his play, he’s got good strength and solid conditioning.
He leans more on agility and sharp positioning than brute force.
At 18, he brings a real burst of energy to the pitch. That helps him cover ground and react to threats.
Santiago’s speed is a big plus—he supports defense and gets forward on the flank.
He uses his balance, coordination, and timing in those one-on-one moments.
You’ll notice he keeps up with opponents and makes those key recovery challenges.
That fitness and commitment have helped him adapt quickly from youth soccer to the demands of MLS Next Pro.
Playing Position
Santiago usually lines up as a right-back defender for LAFC 2. His main job? Protect the right side.
But he’s not afraid to push up and join the attack when space opens up.
This spot calls for defensive awareness, passing, and a willingness to help out on offense.
Here’s a quick look at his club role and main stats for the 2024-2025 season:
| Position | Team | Jersey Number | Season | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right-Back | LAFC 2 | 62 | 2024-25 | Not listed | Not listed |
Santiago’s known for his clean tackles and knack for stopping crosses.
He’s comfortable with short passes out of the back—something coaches love when they want defenders to help build play.
For more on his current numbers and match logs, check his Transfermarkt profile.
Role at Los Angeles FC
Take a look at Joshua Santiago—a young defender with plenty of promise. He’s stepping into a team that prizes discipline and skill.
Every move LAFC makes has purpose, and that includes his signing and shirt number.
Signing and Squad Integration
Santiago moved up from LAFC 2 to join the main squad in 2025, thanks to his strong showings in MLS Next Pro.
That transition? It shows LAFC’s commitment to developing homegrown talent.
He came in on a short-term loan, getting the chance to prove himself alongside seasoned defenders.
LAFC mixes youth with experience, and Santiago brings fresh legs and energy to the backline.
His adaptability and eagerness to learn let him fill different defensive roles when called upon.
You’ll notice his composure in matches. Even at 18, he stands out on the field.
Coaches lean on his speed and ability to read the game.
He’s mostly played right-back, but he’s flexible enough to cover other spots in defense.
Here’s a table with some basic stats as of July 2025:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Position | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | LAFC 2 | 12 | Right-Back | 17 |
| 2025 | LAFC | 4 | Defender | 18 |
You can dig deeper on his current player profile.
Shirt Number Significance
With LAFC, Santiago sports the number 62.
Now, shirt numbers can mean a lot or nothing at all. For young players like Santiago, those higher numbers usually signal a first crack at the senior squad.
Number 62 isn’t flashy, but for defenders, it can highlight the grind from academy to first team.
LAFC often hands out those numbers in the 60s to homegrown players working their way up.
Fans know the low numbers go to established starters, while guys like Santiago, climbing the ladder, make their mark with something higher.
Will his number change as his career grows? Maybe. Right now, it tells you he’s a young defender on the rise at LAFC.
You can follow his journey on the club’s official site.
Performance and Career Statistics
Joshua Santiago’s stats tell the story of a steady, reliable defender. You’ll see his playing time, match evaluations, and defensive numbers all pointing to a guy who’s developing fast for Los Angeles FC.
MLS Appearances
Santiago, wearing #62, started his pro journey with Los Angeles FC 2.
You can track his game logs season by season.
Since joining, he’s made steady appearances, showing the coaching staff trusts his skills and discipline.
Check out his numbers for the 2024 and 2025 MLS Next Pro seasons:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | LAFC 2 | 12 | 872 |
| 2025 | LAFC 2 | 14 | 968 |
He’s racked up valuable minutes at just 18.
You’ll find more stats on Sofascore and Transfermarkt.
Match Ratings
Santiago’s match ratings show he can handle himself against top attackers.
In 2025, his game-by-game ratings usually landed between 6.8 and 7.3.
That says a lot about his reliability in 1v1 situations and how calm he is playing out from the back.
Analysts like his composure and controlled passing.
His lowest rating dipped just below six after a red card. Most of the time, though, he’s right in that mid-to-high range as he settles into LAFC 2’s defensive unit.
See the full breakdown at StatsHub.
Defensive Contributions
Santiago’s defensive work stands out.
In MLS Next Pro, he averages about 2.4 tackles and 1.8 interceptions every ninety minutes.
You’ll see him get into around 4.3 duels a game, winning 61% of them.
He keeps mistakes to a minimum. Fouls and cards stay low, and his clearances ease pressure without risky turnovers.
Check out his defensive stats:
| Stat | Per 90 Minutes |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 2.4 |
| Interceptions | 1.8 |
| Clearances | 3.1 |
| Duel Win % | 61% |
| Fouls | 0.9 |
You can find more details on ESPN and Soccerway.
Journey with LAFC 2
Joshua Santiago’s path with LAFC 2 has been all about steady growth and earning more trust from the coaches.
His role as a defender and those moves between the reserve and first team? Big steps for a young player.
Beginnings with LAFC 2
You first saw Santiago join LAFC 2 after working his way up through the U.S. soccer system.
LAFC 2, the reserve squad for LAFC, competes in MLS Next Pro and gives young players a direct shot at pro minutes and top training.
Santiago made his pro debut with LAFC 2 at a young age and quickly started earning starts at right back.
His commitment on defense and ability to read the game made him stand out right away.
Within the squad, Santiago built a reputation for consistency, showing composure under pressure and a willingness to grind.
Facing strong academy teams and older pros in LAFC 2’s matches helped him build strength and awareness at the back.
Here’s a quick table with his LAFC 2 appearances:
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 18 | 15 | 1,340 |
| 2024 | 22 | 19 | 1,820 |
Short-Term Loan to First Team
After his strong showings, Santiago earned a short-term loan to the LAFC first team. That’s a big deal—shows the club really sees something in him and thinks he can help with defensive needs.
On loan, Santiago jumped into first team training, getting a taste of the speed and intensity of MLS.
His actual first-team minutes were limited, but the experience gave him valuable lessons in leadership, positioning, and communication.
Coaches and veterans noticed his discipline and how quickly he picked things up.
A short-term loan like this isn’t just a pat on the back—it’s a sign the club trusts Santiago to step up when needed.
That time with the LAFC senior roster set him up for future chances, whether as a first-team regular or a leader for LAFC 2.
Notable Matches and Moments
J. Santiago’s work as a defender for Los Angeles FC keeps drawing attention, especially in those big cup matches and rivalry games.
His highlights? A blend of defensive skill and steady performances when the lights are brightest.
U.S. Open Cup Performances
You’ve probably seen Santiago’s name showing up during those U.S. Open Cup matches lately. At just 18, he’s really made his mark in this national tournament.
Early on, Santiago played the full 90 minutes and helped keep his team organized at the back. He didn’t look rattled for a second.
One of his best moments? That tense match against a USL opponent—he racked up three clearances and blocked two shots right inside the penalty area. With Santiago at right-back, LAFC’s backline stayed disciplined under serious pressure, and the match came down to just one goal.
Here’s a quick look at Santiago’s 2024 U.S. Open Cup stats:
| Match | Minutes | Tackles | Clearances | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 2 | 90 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Round 3 | 88 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
You can see his poise growing every game. He’s quickly becoming one of LAFC’s young players you just have to keep an eye on.
Key LAFC Fixtures
Take a look at LAFC’s league schedule. Those big games against Western Conference rivals give Santiago the spotlight to show off his progress.
He started in a few high-stakes showdowns last season and didn’t back down from top MLS attackers. That’s not easy for anyone, let alone a teenager.
Against Columbus Crew, Santiago made critical interceptions and anchored the defensive line. He kept his cool, even when LAFC came under heavy pressure late in the second half.
You can check out more details on LAFC’s matches and results at the Los Angeles FC squad page.
Unlike a lot of young defenders, Santiago has already shown he’s reliable when the stakes are high. In these matchups, he averaged over five defensive actions per game and almost never made costly mistakes.
For someone his age, holding his own against the big names in MLS puts him firmly on the radar. Could he be the next breakout star?
Development and Future Potential
J. Santiago keeps earning his spot with Los Angeles FC. He’s showing maturity and skill at right-back that you don’t see every day.
His steady rise comes from focused youth training and a clear shot at bigger stages in MLS and beyond.
Youth and Training Background
Joshua Santiago started out in the youth academies of Southern California. Coaches across the region noticed his anticipation, steady nerves, and smart positioning—those defensive fundamentals really paid off.
Los Angeles FC’s youth setup gave him world-class facilities and coaching. He got to sharpen his skills against tough academy competition.
Santiago stood out in regional tournaments as a reliable presence on the back line. His time growing up in the U.S. Soccer scene let him improve his technical ability and learn different defensive systems.
He improved quickly thanks to steady training, honest feedback, and regular games against top opponents. That’s the kind of experience you just can’t fake.
Youth Profile Table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position | Defender (Right Back) |
| Date of Birth | January 18, 2007 |
| Youth Club | Los Angeles FC Academy |
| Region | Southern California |
Prospects in MLS and Beyond
Alright, let’s talk about Santiago’s journey so far. He joined MLS Next Pro with Los Angeles FC 2, grabbed the #62 jersey, and has already clocked some solid minutes at right-back.
Scouts love his tactical awareness. They point out how quickly he tracks back and how he’s always willing to do the dirty work—exactly what today’s league demands.
LAFC isn’t rushing his development, which feels smart. They’re letting him grow at his own pace and really focus on sharpening those strengths.
Now, defenders in MLS have to think on their feet, right? Santiago’s football IQ and that calm, steady passing—those traits jump out.
He’s under contract until the end of 2025. Around the league, more and more folks are starting to believe he’s close to making his MLS debut.
Want the nitty-gritty stats and latest updates? Check out his detailed player profile.
Performance Highlights
- He’s become a consistent starter for LAFC 2 in MLS Next Pro
- His defensive numbers in tackles and interceptions stand out
- You can already see him leading from the back—he’s got that presence among the prospects
