John McCarthy LA Galaxy Goalkeeper #77 – Career Highlights and Performance Analysis
If you’ve been following LA Galaxy this season, you already know how much John McCarthy matters between the posts. John McCarthy, rocking #77, has taken over as the starting goalkeeper for LA Galaxy and has played a key role since joining the club. He’s brought stability to the Galaxy defense, and let’s be real—his standout saves and sharp reflexes have gotten a lot of attention across Major League Soccer.
McCarthy’s journey is one you’ve got to hear about, especially with the way he’s impacted the team since signing through the end of the 2025 MLS season. This veteran goalkeeper grabbed a nomination for the 2024 MLS Save of the Year and leads by example every matchday.
For more on his stats and what he’s accomplished, check out his official LA Galaxy profile.
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Whether you’ve been a Galaxy fan for years or you’re just jumping on the train, you can’t miss what John McCarthy brings to the squad. His professionalism and consistency make every match a little more exciting.
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John McCarthy’s Role as LA Galaxy Goalkeeper
John McCarthy wears number 77 for LA Galaxy and holds down the fort as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. He gives the Galaxy some real security at the back and brings leadership you can’t teach.
Squad Number and Position
You’ll spot McCarthy in goal with the number 77—a pretty unique pick for a keeper, right? That number makes him stand out, and fans at Dignity Health Sports Park know exactly who’s between the sticks.
As the Galaxy’s starting goalkeeper, McCarthy does more than just stop shots. He talks to defenders, organizes set pieces, and takes charge in the penalty area.
LA Galaxy brought him in before the 2024 season, and he quickly earned the coaches’ trust with his vocal presence and steady hands. The club leaned on his experience to settle things in defense.
Here’s a quick look at his position and shirt number:
| Name | Squad Number | Position | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| John McCarthy | 77 | Goalkeeper | LA Galaxy |
Significance to the Team
The team leans on McCarthy’s leadership from the back. He stepped in as the starter after a successful run at LAFC, where he helped them win the 2022 MLS Cup.
For LA Galaxy, McCarthy means stability during a time of transition. You see him barking orders, keeping the defense in line, and holding everyone accountable during games.
His MLS experience counts for a lot. When things get tense, McCarthy calms things down and makes the smart play. Young defenders pay attention when he speaks, and his direction keeps the group organized.
He’s also good with his feet, which fits the Galaxy’s style of building from the back. You’ll notice his calm distribution under pressure—he usually chooses the smart pass to keep possession.
Recent Performances
McCarthy started most games for LA Galaxy this season. His reflexes and positioning led to multiple clean sheets, giving the team a fighting chance in big matches.
He picked up a nomination for the 2024 MLS Save of the Year with a clutch stop against Inter Miami CF. That moment showed off his shot-stopping ability and those lightning-quick reactions.
Here’s a quick snapshot of his 2024 stats:
| Matches Played | Clean Sheets | Saves | Goals Against Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 10 | 102 | 1.15 |
When you watch him, you see a keeper with strong hands and great positioning, stopping shots that others might miss. His save percentage has kept LA Galaxy in the postseason chase.
Role in the 2024 MLS Cup Campaign
McCarthy played a huge part in the club’s 2024 MLS Cup run, stepping up for his third straight appearance in the league’s biggest final. He owned the box in those tense moments.
He faced New York Red Bulls in the final and made key saves in the first half, holding the line when the pressure was on. His cool head under fire let LA Galaxy stay in the match when it mattered most.
During the playoffs, McCarthy’s knack for penalty shootouts and big-game moments paid off. Teammates trusted his calls, and you could see that trust when he organized the defense and stayed locked in.
LA Galaxy fans saw McCarthy’s steady presence give the club real confidence at the back during a crucial campaign. His poise and leadership stood out all through the 2024 MLS Cup run.
Read more about his role in the MLS Cup final in this AP News report.
Professional Career Overview
John McCarthy’s climb from college soccer to Major League Soccer shows real grit and growth as a goalkeeper. He’s played across multiple leagues and clubs, building a career on reliable shot-stopping and consistent performances in high-pressure environments.
Early Career and College Soccer
You might remember McCarthy from his days at La Salle University. There, he started all four years and set school records for both saves and shutouts.
He made the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team as a freshman and twice earned spots on the All-Atlantic 10 First Team.
During college offseasons, McCarthy played for the Ocean City Nor’easters in the Premier Development League. He sharpened his skills and caught the eye of scouts. That early experience gave him the technical base to move up after graduation.
Philadelphia Union and USL PRO Success
McCarthy’s impact started with his early pro years. After college, he signed with the Rochester Rhinos in USL PRO. As a rookie, he posted 10 shutouts and won USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year.
That breakout with the Rhinos opened the door to MLS, and he joined the Philadelphia Union in 2015. He made his MLS debut right away, quickly becoming a dependable backup.
McCarthy’s biggest moment came when he started the 2015 U.S. Open Cup final and held his own in a tight contest.
Here’s a quick look at his early pro stats:
| Team | Years | Appearances | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester Rhinos (USL) | 2014 | 18 | 10 |
| Philadelphia Union | 2015-2018 | 21 | 2 |
Tampa Bay Rowdies and USL Championship
If you watched the USL Championship, you saw McCarthy join the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2019. He started over 30 matches as the main man in goal and helped the club reach the playoffs.
Coaches and teammates praised him for organizing the defense and handling the big moments. His time in the USL Championship kept his skills sharp and his reputation as a reliable shot-stopper intact.
The Rowdies gave him regular minutes, letting him stay in top form and keep his confidence up for the next MLS opportunity.
MLS Journey: Inter Miami CF, LAFC, and LA Galaxy
You probably noticed McCarthy again when he signed with Inter Miami CF in December 2019. He backed up veteran keepers but made memorable appearances in the club’s early matches.
In 2022, he joined LAFC and stole the show in the MLS Cup Final. He came off the bench and made huge saves in the penalty shootout, helping LAFC lift the trophy.
Now, McCarthy wears number 77 for LA Galaxy. He’s started over 30 regular-season matches and piled up more than 120 saves.
The Galaxy signed him through the end of the 2025 MLS season, a clear sign of how much they value him at the top level of American soccer.
Key Achievements and Honors
John McCarthy has carved out a reputation as a reliable, steady hand in Major League Soccer. You see his impact in big matches, award performances, and his commitment to team goals.
MLS Cup MVP and Major Titles
McCarthy is known for stepping up when it counts, especially in the playoffs. In 2024, he played a huge role in LA Galaxy’s MLS Cup win, making four critical saves in a tight 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls.
The league named him MLS Cup MVP for that effort—talk about coming through when the lights are brightest.
He also played in back-to-back MLS Cup finals with LAFC in 2022 and 2023. That’s three straight finals, showing he’s got a knack for guiding teams to the big stage.
Here’s a rundown of his major final achievements:
| Year | Club | MLS Cup Final Appearance | Result | Finals MVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | LAFC | Yes | Winner | No |
| 2023 | LAFC | Yes | Runner-Up | No |
| 2024 | LA Galaxy | Yes | Winner | Yes |
Want more on his MLS Cup win? Check out this AP News article.
Golden Glove and Clean Sheets
As a goalkeeper, the stats that matter most—shutouts and saves—tell McCarthy’s story. He’s delivered for the Galaxy, racking up 127 saves and starting every single regular season game.
He’s posted key clean sheets, keeping opponents off the board. The league has noticed, too—he’s been in the Golden Glove conversation, awarded to MLS’s top goalkeeper.
Even when he didn’t win it, his numbers put him near the top of the leaderboard.
Here are some of his career stats:
- Regular Season Games Started: 32
- Minutes Played: 2,880
- Saves: 127
- Clean Sheets: 10
Want to see his latest numbers? Head over to the LA Galaxy player page.
Supporters’ Shield and Team Accolades
Team awards? They’re a huge part of any player’s résumé, and John McCarthy has made his mark with clubs fighting for the top. The Supporters’ Shield goes to the best regular-season team, and LAFC brought it home in 2022—with McCarthy’s steady hands playing a real part in that run.
During his time with the Galaxy, McCarthy picked up team honors as well, including postseason berths and some memorable cup runs. Even when the trophy case stayed empty, his leadership and consistency pushed the back line to another level.
Team accolades don’t just sit in the club’s trophy room—they boost your value as a starter, too.
Here’s a quick look at McCarthy’s team honors:
| Year | Club | Accolade |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | LAFC | Supporters’ Shield |
| 2024 | LA Galaxy | MLS Cup Winner |
For more stats and club honors, check out Transfermarkt.
Performance Stats and Playing Style
John McCarthy built a reputation for steady goalkeeping and a cool head when the pressure ramps up. He’s played for several MLS teams and earned attention for his shot-stopping and his ability to organize the defense.
Notable Statistics in MLS
If you check McCarthy’s numbers, his reliability in the MLS really jumps off the page. He played 16 matches for the LA Galaxy in the 2025 season and kept several clean sheets, showing he knows how to close the door on opponents.
In MLS, clean sheets mean everything for a goalkeeper’s reputation.
Here’s a snapshot of his recent MLS stats:
| Season | Appearances | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded | Saves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 16 | 5 | 18 | 48 |
| 2024 | 25 | 8 | 31 | 76 |
For the full numbers, swing by Transfermarkt or the LA Galaxy’s official player stats.
Strengths and Skillset
McCarthy reads the game well. He cuts out danger before it turns into a real threat. His reflexes? They’re sharp, and he’s tough to beat from close range.
He takes charge in the penalty area, especially when crosses come flying in. You’ll see him barking orders, keeping his defenders locked in and organized.
He stays calm even when things get hectic. Instead of relying on wild athletic leaps, he prefers to stick to the right position, which keeps things safer for his team.
He’s right-footed and distributes the ball well over short and mid-range distances. That helps the team move from defense into attack without missing a beat.
His time at different clubs has given him a steady, calming presence in goal.
Consistency and Challenges
Reliability anchors McCarthy’s game, but every keeper faces bumps in the road. His save numbers and shutouts show he’s steady, but quick forwards on fast breaks have tested him at times.
He sometimes struggles with close-range deflections, but overall, he’s solid. Let’s be honest, keeping clean sheets all season in MLS isn’t easy, especially when defenders rotate in and out.
Still, his work ethic and focus stand out. He prepares for every game and takes responsibility for his performance.
McCarthy gives LA Galaxy coaches and fans plenty of reasons to trust him in goal. If you care about shutouts and steady play, he’s your guy.
International and Tournament Experience
John McCarthy’s career includes big games in international club tournaments and some strong moments on the national stage. He’s also picked up recognition in the USL, earning big awards along the way.
CONCACAF Champions League
McCarthy’s record in the CONCACAF Champions League shows his grit. He’s more of a domestic league guy, but he stepped up for LAFC in high-pressure moments.
During the 2023 campaign, he served as a backup and joined the squad for knockout rounds. He didn’t make the tournament’s Best XI, but his readiness let LAFC rotate keepers without worry.
His involvement, even as a backup, shows his professionalism at the continental level.
| Year | Club | Matches Played | Minutes | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | LAFC | 2 | 180 | 1 |
USL Championships and Awards
McCarthy left his mark in USL history with both his play and his trophy haul. With the Rochester Rhinos in 2015, he helped drive the team to a USL Cup title. Before that, he picked up individual honors with the Philadelphia Union affiliate that helped launch his pro career.
He’s listed among the league’s top performers. He earned USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year and USL PRO Rookie of the Year, which says a lot about his consistency and leadership in big matches.
Honors:
- USL Cup Champion (Rochester Rhinos, 2015)
- USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year
- USL PRO Rookie of the Year
These achievements show McCarthy steps up when the spotlight’s brightest. He’s a keeper who delivers in tournament play.
Personal Background and Off-Field Details
John Joseph McCarthy III’s story runs from small-town beginnings to the bright lights of Major League Soccer. His early years and school days both reveal a steady drive for improvement.
Early Life and Hometown
McCarthy grew up in Cinnaminson, New Jersey—a tight-knit place that shaped his attitude and work ethic. Family played a huge part in his journey, giving him the push to chase a professional soccer career.
He started out with local clubs, sharpening his skills in regional leagues. People noticed his calm presence and his habit of putting in extra hours.
Teammates remember him for his reliability and determination. Those traits took root back in Cinnaminson.
This upbringing set the foundation for his later success. The lessons from home still influence how he approaches the game, on and off the pitch.
Education and Collegiate Records
McCarthy went to La Salle University in Philadelphia, and wow, he really made his mark as one of the standout student-athletes in their soccer program. Playing for the La Salle Explorers, he broke several school records—most saves, most shutouts—you name it, he probably did it by the time he wrapped up his college career.
He didn’t let academics slide, either. McCarthy somehow managed to juggle his studies and soccer, earning a ton of respect from both his coaches and classmates for his discipline and drive.
Let’s take a quick look at his collegiate stats:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Years Played | 2010-2013 |
| Total Appearances | 75 |
| Career Shutouts | 28 |
| Career Saves | 468 |
Those stats? They’re not just numbers—they helped him snag conference honors and put him right on the radar for pro scouts.
His time at La Salle shaped his skills and attitude, setting him up for what was next with the LA Galaxy.
