#71 J. Zalinsky from St. Louis City SC Turns Offside Calls Into Pure Comedy — This Defender Doubles as a Human Traffic Cone
When you check out St. Louis City SC’s back line, Joseph “Joey” Zalinsky really stands out for his steady presence and recent progress. He wears number 71 and brings a mix of calm and grit that makes him a key piece of the defense.
He’s a defender who fought for his spot through years of hard work, starting at the New York Red Bulls Academy, then Rutgers University, and now Major League Soccer.
You’re not just watching a young player trying to adjust. Zalinsky, born in Brick Township, New Jersey, has already shown the discipline and adaptability you need to stick at this level.
His time at Rutgers sharpened his game, and the Red Bulls system gave him the base to compete with top talent.
St. Louis City SC signed him after picking him in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. Now, you see a player who’s got real potential to become a regular contributor.
His journey isn’t about sudden leaps—it’s been a steady climb, which honestly makes his story worth keeping an eye on.
Contents
Player Profile and Background
Here’s a young defender who grew up in the New York Red Bulls system, got sharper at Rutgers, and now wears 71 for St. Louis City SC. His path shows steady growth, from high school soccer in New Jersey all the way to MLS.
Personal Details
Joseph “Joey” Zalinsky was born on January 3, 2003 in Brick Township, New Jersey. At 22, he’s part of a new wave of defenders coming into MLS after years in academies and college.
Right now, you know him as a defender for St. Louis City SC, wearing number 71. He joined after getting picked in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, which marked his jump from college to the pros.
His career includes early matches with New York Red Bulls II and then four seasons at Rutgers University. With the Scarlet Knights, he played nearly 60 games—pretty impressive for consistency.
Career Snapshot
| Team | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Red Bulls II | 2020–2021 | 17 | 0 |
| Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 2021–2024 | 59 | 2 |
| St. Louis City SC | 2025– | 4 | 0 |
| St. Louis City 2 | 2025– | 2 | 0 |
Early Life in New Jersey
Zalinsky’s soccer roots go back to Brick Memorial High School in Ocean County, New Jersey. Growing up in Brick Township, he got noticed as a steady defender with solid fundamentals.
He joined the New York Red Bulls Academy in 2016 when he was just 13. That move let him train and play at a higher level, which set him up for chances beyond high school.
By 2020, he was already on the field with New York Red Bulls II in the USL Championship. He made his debut in a 6–0 win over Philadelphia Union II—a game that showed he was ready for the pro environment.
These experiences shaped the player you see now, someone who mixes local roots with academy polish.
Physical Attributes
He stands 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) and weighs about 163 pounds (74 kg). Zalinsky fits the mold of a modern fullback.
His build lets him cover ground, defend in space, and hold up in physical battles.
His quickness stands out, especially in recovery runs and when closing down attackers. He’s not as tall as a central defender, but his frame and mobility make him effective out wide.
At Rutgers, he barely missed a match over four years. That kind of reliability is huge in MLS, where fitness and consistency are everything for defenders.
His profile suggests he’s built for steady growth, with tools that can adapt to the league’s pace and demands.
Position and Playing Style
Zalinsky plays as a defender who values structure, positioning, and discipline. His style balances physical strength, technical skill, and a calm way of reading the field.
Defensive Strengths
His defensive game starts with awareness. He tracks runners well, keeping close enough to pressure but not overcommitting.
That lets him cut off passing lanes and steer attackers into less dangerous spots.
At 5’10” and about 165 pounds, he relies more on timing and positioning than just size. He wins challenges by reading the play, not just by being physical.
Rutgers helped him sharpen this approach, giving him plenty of reps against tough competition.
He keeps his cool under pressure. When attackers close in, he makes the simple clearance or a controlled pass instead of forcing something risky.
That kind of decision-making keeps errors down and the team organized.
Key Defensive Traits
- Strong positional awareness
- Reliable 1v1 defending
- Solid tackling
- Calm under pressure
Role as a Modern Defender
Defenders these days need to do more than just defend. Zalinsky fits that mold by helping with ball circulation and buildup.
He plays mostly as a right back for St. Louis CITY SC, supporting possession by offering safe outlets and moving into space.
He doesn’t go for flashy dribbles or big long passes. Instead, he keeps it simple and accurate, which helps his team move the ball forward without taking unnecessary risks.
At Rutgers, he learned to value efficiency, and he’s carried that into his pro game.
When the team pushes forward, he provides width and keeps balance. He might not overlap on every play, but he’s always in the right spot to recycle possession and stop counterattacks.
That balance between restraint and support makes him a steady presence at the back.
Passing and Distribution Stats (2024 MLS Season)
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Pass Completion % | 82 |
| Long Pass Accuracy % | 68 |
| Progressive Passes | 4.3 per 90 |
Tactical Adaptability
Zalinsky’s value really shows in his ability to adapt to different systems. He’s played as a traditional right back and as part of a back three.
That flexibility gives coaches options when they want to shift between defensive and attacking setups.
In a high press, he steps up to close space quickly, making it tough for opponents to build out. In a deeper block, he stays tight and helps protect the central defenders.
His discipline lets him handle both roles without losing focus.
He adjusts to different types of opponents, too. Against speedy wingers, he uses positioning and angles. Against more physical strikers drifting wide, he relies on body strength and timing.
That versatility comes from his training and experience in college and early pro soccer.
Tactical Roles Played
- Right Back in a back four
- Wingback in a 3-5-2
- Defensive cover in a low block
St. Louis City SC Career
Joey Zalinsky’s rise with St. Louis City SC feels like a steady progression. He came up through Rutgers, got picked in the MLS SuperDraft, signed his first pro deal, and quickly earned minutes in league play.
Each step shows both his growth and the club’s faith in young talent.
2025 MLS SuperDraft Selection
St. Louis City SC picked Zalinsky in the second round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, 37th overall out of Rutgers. That made him the highest Rutgers draft pick in over a decade—a sign that his defensive consistency really caught the eyes of MLS scouts.
He already had a strong resume before draft day. Zalinsky played 59 matches for Rutgers, with two goals and two assists. The New York Red Bulls academy also shaped him, and he debuted for Red Bulls II at just 17.
That mix of college and academy experience gave him a balanced background.
The club added him alongside a top-10 forward and a goalkeeper, but Zalinsky filled a clear need at right back. St. Louis saw him as a reliable defender who could adjust to the pro game quickly.
First Team Contract and Number 71
Right after the draft, St. Louis signed Zalinsky to a first team contract through 2025, with club options for 2026, 2027, and 2028.
That deal shows the club’s long-term thinking, giving them flexibility and rewarding his preseason effort.
He impressed in camp, playing in five of six preseason matches—so the staff clearly trusted him with early responsibility.
Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel praised his work ethic and ability to fit into the team’s style.
Zalinsky took the field wearing number 71. Sure, it’s not a typical defender’s number, but it marked his first step into pro soccer.
For a rookie, that jersey means both opportunity and expectation.
MLS Debut and Early Performances
Zalinsky made his MLS debut in St. Louis City SC’s 2025 opener against the Colorado Rapids at Energizer Park.
He stepped in at right back, a spot that demands both defensive stability and some attacking help.
His early minutes showed the same habits from college: good positioning, steady tackling, and simple distribution.
He didn’t try to do too much—just focused on clean play and avoiding mistakes. That helped him earn trust from the coaches.
Here’s a quick look at his early MLS numbers:
| Competition | Matches Played | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS 2025 | 3 | 175 | 0 | 0 |
| Preseason | 5 | 310 | 0 | 0 |
For a rookie defender, those stats aren’t everything. What really matters is whether he holds his ground, supports teammates, and stays away from costly errors.
So far, Zalinsky has made a stable start in St. Louis.
College Soccer at Rutgers University
Joey Zalinsky built his name at Rutgers with steady defense, consistent minutes, and a knack for stepping up in big moments.
His growth from freshman starter to senior leader shows both durability and adaptability.
Recruitment and Transition
Zalinsky’s path to Rutgers was shaped by his years in the New York Red Bulls academy. He joined the system in 2016 and even played for Red Bulls II in the USL Championship before setting foot on a college field.
That experience gave him a maturity you don’t see in most freshmen.
At Rutgers, he got going right away. He started 14 matches as a freshman in 2021 and made the All-Big Ten Freshman Team.
He played nearly every minute in several matches, including a 110-minute draw against Maryland, proving his fitness and reliability.
That early pro-level training set him apart. You could see he brought structure and calm to the Scarlet Knights’ back line, and coaches leaned on him from the jump.
His recruitment paid off fast, and he became a cornerstone defender right away.
Performance and Achievements
Over four seasons at Rutgers, Zalinsky played in 59 matches. He scored 2 goals and added 2 assists. Those stats won’t blow anyone away, but as a defender, his value really came from his steady presence and reliability, not flashy numbers.
Career Statistics at Rutgers
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 1,320+ | All-Big Ten Freshman Team |
| 2022 | 19 | 1 | 1 | 1,695 | Academic All-Big Ten |
| 2023 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 1,314 | — |
| 2024 | 13 | 1 | 1 | — | Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week |
You see his progress in small, steady ways. He got his first career goal against Creighton in 2022. Then in his senior season, he grabbed Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors.
He often played full matches and rarely left the field, which showed just how much his coaches depended on him.
Impact on Team Success
Look at Rutgers’ defensive record during Zalinsky’s time, and you’ll notice his impact. As a freshman, he helped the Scarlet Knights post four straight shutouts. That hadn’t happened since their 1990 national runner-up run.
You just don’t get that kind of defensive stability without a dependable anchor on the back line.
In 2023, Zalinsky played 1,314 minutes—second most on the team. He played all 90 minutes in Rutgers’ first-ever win at Maryland. That kind of trust from the coaching staff says a lot.
By his senior year, he chipped in with a goal and two assists and stayed at the heart of the defense. In matches like the shutout against Michigan State, his leadership calmed the back line and kept things organized.
His consistency gave Rutgers a real foundation to compete in the Big Ten.
For more on his college career, check out his Rutgers player profile.
Development at New York Red Bulls Academy
You can’t ignore how much early years shape a player. Joey Zalinsky built his base in New Jersey, coming up through the New York Red Bulls system before heading to Rutgers and finally getting his shot with St. Louis City SC.
Youth Academy Experience
The New York Red Bulls Academy moves fast. Zalinsky joined in 2016. He trained in a place that’s churned out plenty of MLS players.
The academy focused on technical skills, tactical smarts, and being ready physically.
At Brick Memorial High School, he juggled both prep soccer and academy duties. That mix exposed him to different coaches and competition levels.
Red Bulls academy players face tough regional and national opponents every week. Zalinsky had to measure himself against some of the best youth players out there.
Because the academy connects closely with the pro team, you train with the same philosophy as the first team. That makes moving up a little less intimidating. Zalinsky got to learn a style of play he’d use at higher levels.
Progression with Red Bulls II
By 2020, Zalinsky started getting minutes with New York Red Bulls II in the USL Championship. He made his debut at 17 in September and ended up with 17 appearances that season. That kind of early professional experience really sped up his growth.
Playing at this level, you notice the jump in speed and physicality. Facing grown pros forces you to adapt—Zalinsky handled it well. His positioning and calmness on the ball stood out.
Red Bulls II acts as a bridge from the academy to MLS. For Zalinsky, those games tested him and let him prove himself. He learned to deal with pressure while still sharpening his technical skills.
Here’s a quick look at his early Red Bulls II numbers:
| Season | Age | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
The stats don’t jump out, but the minutes and experience mattered more.
Key Matches and Milestones
A few moments stand out in Zalinsky’s journey. His Red Bulls II debut at 17 proved he could handle the pro environment. Not many academy kids get that chance so early.
At Rutgers, he carried those lessons into college soccer. Over 59 games, he scored two goals and assisted twice. That doesn’t sound flashy, but it shows he brought steady defense every week.
The big milestone came in December 2024. St. Louis City SC drafted him 37th overall in the MLS SuperDraft, making him the highest-drafted Rutgers player in 15 years. His academy and Red Bulls II experience clearly set him up for that.
Signing his first contract with St. Louis City SC felt like a payoff for all the years of work. He didn’t rush the journey—from New Jersey fields to MLS, he built his career step by step.
Career Statistics and Honors
You can follow J. Zalinsky’s path through his pro and college years by looking at his match records, his time at Rutgers, and the recognition he picked up along the way. His numbers show steady growth, and his honors back up the value he brings on the field.
Club Appearances and Goals
Zalinsky joined St. Louis City SC in 2024. He plays right back and wears number 71. Before that, he spent time with New York Red Bulls II and Jackson Lions FC.
His style focuses on defensive reliability and sometimes joining the attack. He hasn’t scored much, but his minutes and defensive actions stand out.
Club Career Summary
| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Red Bulls II | 2021–2022 | 25+ | 0 |
| Jackson Lions FC | 2023 | Limited | 0 |
| St. Louis City SC | 2024–2025 | Ongoing | 0 |
You can check his latest stats on Transfermarkt and ESPN.
College Records
Before turning pro, Zalinsky played at Rutgers University. He competed in the Big Ten and became a regular starter. His time in college helped him sharpen his positioning, stamina, and tactical sense.
At Rutgers, he played a lot of minutes over several seasons. He didn’t score much, but his defensive work was a big reason the Scarlet Knights stayed competitive. Coaches appreciated how well he marked attackers and kept his cool in tough games.
His college career put him up against strong opponents, which got him ready for the demands of pro soccer. That foundation helped him step right in at St. Louis City SC.
Notable Recognitions
Zalinsky hasn’t grabbed any major league-wide awards yet, but people have noticed his efforts at different stages. At Rutgers, coaches and teammates often praised his consistency and work rate. He’d pop up in match recaps for his defensive plays, which says a lot.
Back in New Jersey, he stood out at Brick Memorial High School. His journey from high school to Rutgers, then into pro soccer, really shows a steady climb. He’s built his career more on reliability than on flashy moments—some might even say that’s the tougher route.
Now with St. Louis City SC, he keeps building his reputation as a dependable defender. Coaches trust him to hold down the back line, even if the individual trophies haven’t come yet. If you’re curious, you can follow his career progress over at MLSsoccer.com.
