J. Terry Los Angeles FC Midfielder #56: Key Player Analysis and Season Overview

Jude Terry, rocking #56, is Los Angeles FC’s newest young midfielder. At just 16, he’s already turning heads in Major League Soccer. This California kid from Chula Vista didn’t just come out of nowhere—he rose up through the youth academy and signed a Homegrown contract that keeps him at LAFC through 2027, with team options stretching all the way to 2029.

If you’re tracking the next wave of American soccer talent, Terry’s name is already in the conversation. He’s got skill, poise, and a real understanding of the game that’s hard to teach.

You’ve probably wondered what Terry brings to LAFC. His journey from the academy to the first team roster is all about steady growth and a soccer IQ coaches dream about.

Let’s dig into what makes Jude Terry stand out, how his early stats stack up, and what his future could look like for both LAFC and maybe even the national team.

Name	Position	Age	Height	Club	Shirt #	Years Signed
Jude Terry	Midfielder	16	175 cm	Los Angeles FC	56	2025-2027

Jude Terry: Player Profile

Jude Terry has already made his presence felt at Los Angeles FC as a promising midfielder. He’s got a strong technical base and can play multiple roles, which is rare for a player his age.

He’s turned heads with early achievements for both club and country.

Position and Playing Style

You’ll usually spot Jude Terry controlling the middle for LAFC, working as a central or defensive midfielder. He loves dictating the game’s tempo, pinging passes under pressure, and keeping things moving.

He’s right-footed, which helps him move the ball quickly and send accurate long passes. On defense, he intercepts plays and covers a ton of ground.

He plays with a calmness you don’t see every day, especially when he’s up against top attackers. Offensively, he helps out when he can, but he always keeps the team’s defensive shape in mind.

Coaches lean on his ability to read the game, win the ball back, and start counterattacks. That’s the kind of reliability you want in your midfield. His smart play even earned him call-ups to the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team. That’s no small feat.

Personal Background and Early Life

Born October 8, 2008, in Chula Vista, California, Terry’s background gives him a unique edge on and off the field. He represents the United States, but he’s also got Mexican roots, which adds some real depth to his story.

At 12, Terry joined the LAFC Academy and quickly started moving up. Hard work and focus helped him stand out in Southern California’s competitive youth soccer scene.

That early exposure sharpened his technical and tactical skills. By 2025, he signed a homegrown contract with LAFC, making him one of the youngest to do it in club history.

Family and community still matter a lot to him, shaping who he is as both a player and a person.

Physical Attributes

Terry fits the modern midfielder mold. At 175 cm (about 5’9”), he’s got the balance and agility to work in tight spaces.

He’s not easy to knock off the ball, either. His fitness shows in his work rate—this kid keeps running late into games.

Terry’s quick, and his positioning is usually spot on. You’ll rarely catch him out of place when play flips from defense to attack.

He’s resilient, too, and his physical conditioning keeps him in the mix.

Player Statistics

Attribute	Value
Position	Central/Defensive Midfielder
Jersey Number	56
Height	175 cm (5’9″)
Date of Birth	October 8, 2008
Preferred Foot	Right
Club	Los Angeles FC
Nationality	United States

Los Angeles FC and MLS Journey

Jude Terry’s story with LAFC shows how big moments can open doors for young midfielders in MLS. His contract, early matches, and homegrown player status all play into his development.

Signing with Los Angeles FC

Clubs need to invest in local talent, and LAFC is doing just that. At 16, Jude Terry became the eighth homegrown player to sign with the club.

LAFC saw his potential after he impressed in the academy, joining at 12 and climbing through the ranks.

He signed officially for the 2025 season, with the deal running through 2027 and options for two more years. That shows LAFC’s faith in his future—and their commitment to building from within.

The club made it clear they want to mix youth and experience, which you can see all over their roster. For more on the signing, check out the official announcement.

MLS Debut and Development

Terry’s pro journey started quietly but with purpose. He debuted in 2024 for LAFC2, the MLS NEXT Pro team.

He logged 11 appearances, started six times, picked up one assist, and played 542 minutes. Those are solid numbers for a young midfielder.

Game by game, you could see him learning—figuring out positioning, passing, and how to gel with teammates. LAFC’s approach lets him move up step by step, making sure he’s ready for the big stage when his time comes.

Jude Terry | 2024 LAFC2 Stats

Matches	Starts	Minutes	Assists	Goals
11	6	542	1	0

Homegrown Player Status

Homegrown status means a lot for Terry and LAFC. It’s not just about performance—it’s about the years he put in at the academy and his local roots.

This status helps the club manage the salary cap, since some of his deal doesn’t count against it. For Terry, it’s a big vote of confidence and opens the door for real development.

He joins a small group of LAFC players who went from academy to MLS contracts this way. Read more about it here.

Performance and Career Statistics

Jude Terry is early in his pro career, but he’s already making an impact for Los Angeles FC 2 at just 16. Every match, you see more of his playmaking and game awareness.

Goals and Assists

As a midfielder for LAFC2, Terry’s biggest contributions come from his passing and setting up chances. Last season, he made 13 MLS Next Pro appearances and notched one assist.

He’s still looking for his first goal, but his main job is ball distribution and helping build up play.

People don’t expect young midfielders to rack up goals, but every bit of involvement in attack matters. Terry’s vision stands out, and he’s often involved in the early stages of attacks.

That one assist hints at creative upside LAFC hopes to see more of as he grows.

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists
2024-25	13	0	1

Match Appearances

Terry’s steady minutes for the reserve team show the club trusts him. He played 13 matches last season, which is impressive for a 16-year-old going up against older players.

He’s often in the starting eleven or coming off the bench, which means coaches see his value. Every game gives him more experience with pro tactics and the fast pace of MLS Next Pro.

You can see him adapting quickly, getting involved in defensive work and moving the ball forward.

Terry’s consistent presence, despite his age, shows the club is thinking long-term with his development. He’s learning on the job, and that’s the best way to grow at this level.

Player Ratings and Metrics

Analysts and sites like Transfermarkt call Terry’s rating a work in progress. He’s currently rated at 43 ELO for the squad.

Physically, his 5’9” height and sturdy build (about 70 kg) let him handle himself in midfield battles. He kept a clean disciplinary record last season, picking up almost no cards.

As he matures, keep an eye on his completed passes, chances created, and defensive recoveries. Those stats will really show how he’s growing technically and tactically.

For more numbers, check out Jude Terry’s LAFC profile.

Jersey Number and Team Roles

J. Terry has quickly become a name to watch at LAFC, stepping into unique midfield roles and sporting a number that catches the eye.

His responsibilities show just how much the coaching staff trusts him, even at his age.

Shirt Number 56 Significance

You’ll notice J. Terry wears #56—definitely not your typical number for a starting MLS midfielder. Most guys in his spot go with something lower.

That 56 says a lot. Young players or academy grads often get higher numbers, and for Terry, it’s a badge of his journey from the youth ranks to the senior squad.

Midfielders with numbers above 50 usually bring energy and adaptability. Terry’s choice shows he’s not afraid to stand out or take on big challenges.

Who knows? Maybe 56 becomes iconic for LAFC if he keeps this up. For more on his number and profile, take a look at Jude Terry’s LAFC profile.

Quick Stats:

Statistic	Value
Shirt Number	56
Position	Midfielder
Club	Los Angeles FC

Other Positions Played

Let’s talk about Terry—he’s usually listed as a midfielder, but honestly, he’s shown he can handle all sorts of midfield roles. Most of the time, you’ll catch him as a central midfielder, linking up play, supporting the defense, and spraying passes all over the pitch.

If the team needs it, Terry jumps in as a defensive midfielder too. He brings a bit of bite, intercepts passes, and covers for teammates who push forward. Coaches really appreciate that kind of flexibility, especially when you’ve got a young guy trying to break into the first team.

His ability to fill different spots gives coaches options, depending on whether the team needs to lock things down or add some spark in the middle. It says a lot about his soccer IQ—he just gets how to fit into whatever the team needs. That’s a big reason why he’s become such a key piece for Los Angeles FC.

If you’re curious, you can check out more detailed stats and positions he covers during the season.

International Experience and Dual Nationality

J. Terry hasn’t just made noise in the domestic game—he’s also picked up some international exposure. His family background gives him a couple of interesting doors to open when it comes to national teams.

United States Youth Representation

You’ve probably seen J. Terry’s name pop up for the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team. Head coach Gonzalo Segares picked him for a training camp in Valencia, Spain, which really speaks to his growing reputation and what he’s been doing at LAFC.

Here’s a quick look:

Team	Level	Year	Notable Event
United States U-17	International	2025	Spain Training Camp
Los Angeles FC	Club	2024	MLS Next Pro appearances

Getting invited to these camps means scouts and coaches across the country are keeping tabs on him. The U.S. youth system gives young players early access to top coaching and the chance to test themselves against some real talent from all over.

Mexican Heritage and Eligibility

Terry’s family ties connect him to Mexico, making him eligible for El Tri too. That’s a pretty big deal—dual nationality gives him options and maybe even a bit of leverage for his international future.

If you’re tracking his progress, you’ll notice the Mexican Football Federation has started watching players like him—guys with U.S. and Mexican backgrounds. Both countries want to lock in the best dual nationals early, so there’s a bit of a tug-of-war sometimes.

As he keeps growing, both the U.S. and Mexico might try to win him over. Players like Terry are in demand, and with the way soccer’s gone global, having two big national teams interested? That’s not a bad spot to be in.

Notable Achievements and Recognition

J. Terry’s making waves at Los Angeles FC, and it’s not just hype—he’s got the talent and the work ethic to back it up. You’ll find his name in youth competitions, and he’s started to make his mark in MLS play too.

Youth Career Highlights

If you look back at Jude Terry’s early days, he stood out for his discipline and sharp play in LAFC’s academy. He earned call-ups to the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team and got picked for that international training camp in Spain. That’s not something that happens unless you’re really impressing coaches.

Youth Accolades:

• Selected for U.S. Under-17 international camp
• Played in top tournaments and camps in Spain and the U.S.
• Noted for midfield control and smart decision-making

Notable Youth Stats Table:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2022-2023	22	5	8
2023-2024	25	7	10

Those performances in youth soccer helped him move up quickly at LAFC. Coaches and teammates have taken notice.

Professional Milestones

Terry’s pro story kicked off when he signed as a homegrown player with Los Angeles FC at just 16. The contract runs through 2027, with club options for 2028 and 2029—clearly, the club’s betting big on his future.

He wears number 56 and usually lines up as a central midfielder, bringing a calm presence that’s rare for his age. His technical ability and choices on the ball help LAFC control games. You’ll see him getting regular minutes in MLS and popping up in big matches like the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Recent LAFC Stats:

Competition	Appearances	Goals
MLS	12	1
CONCACAF Champions Cup 2025	3	0

As the season goes on, you can see coaches trust him more and more. He’s hanging right there with some of the league’s best.

Community and Media Impact

Let’s talk about J. Terry’s influence—because it’s not just about what he does on the field. He pops up in media stories for his journey through the LAFC system, and you’ll catch his name tied to the U.S. youth national team pretty often.

That kind of buzz? It shines a spotlight on the academy and gets younger players fired up to follow in his footsteps.

Terry jumps right into local community work, too. You’ll see him representing LAFC at outreach events and running around at youth football clinics in Los Angeles.

He’s not just showing up—he’s leading by example and building real connections with fans and kids who dream of making it big.

With all this media attention and his steady presence at public events, Terry’s impact stretches way past the pitch. He’s helping shape how folks see LAFC’s future stars.