L. Barraza D.C. United Goalkeeper #13 Performance Review and Season Highlights

You tune in to a D.C. United match, and honestly, you can’t help but notice the steady presence of #13 guarding the net. Luis Barraza has stepped into the goalkeeper role for D.C. United, bringing a wealth of experience and a sense of reliability to the squad. After arriving from New York City FC, Barraza’s journey to the nation’s capital is already shaping this season. Who knows how much he could impact the club’s future?

Barraza’s skill set jumps out at you—his quick reflexes, sharp positioning, and that quiet leadership from the back line. At 28, he’s already racked up three shutouts for United this season. That tells you he’s more than ready to anchor this defense.

For longtime D.C. United fans or even if you’re just getting into it, Barraza’s performances this year are well worth your attention.

Let’s take a look at some key stats for the current season:

Stat	Number
Appearances	20
Shutouts	3
Saves	57
Goals Allowed	27

If you want to dive deeper into Barraza’s story or his impact on the field, check out his player profile or get more details on his transfer.

Luis Barraza’s Background and Early Life

Luis Barraza has carved out a career in Major League Soccer through grit, hard work, and a strong connection to his roots.

You get a better sense of his path as a professional goalkeeper when you look at where he comes from, his first experiences with soccer, and his rise through youth academies.

Birthplace and Dual Nationality

Luis Barraza was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States on November 8, 1996. His family has ties to both the US and Mexico, so he holds dual nationality.

This background really shaped his identity, both on and off the field.

Growing up, Barraza felt the influence of both American and Mexican cultures. Las Cruces sits right near the US-Mexico border, giving his upbringing a blend of traditions and values from both countries.

Barraza’s dual nationality gives him a unique perspective in his career. He’s embraced his background and uses it to connect with fans from different communities.

His heritage is a point of pride that continues to drive him forward.

Early Soccer Development

Barraza’s passion for soccer started early in New Mexico. As a kid, he felt drawn to the game, especially the challenge and responsibility that come with playing as a goalkeeper.

He played in local youth leagues, often going up against older and more experienced players. Those early games built his confidence and sharpened his reactions in goal.

Coaches noticed his quick reflexes and his ability to organize defenders right away.

His family played a huge role, always encouraging him and supporting his development. They helped him train in regional programs and attend specialized goalkeeper clinics.

These experiences gave Barraza a solid foundation as he prepared for tougher competition down the line.

Youth Academies

Barraza took his first big step when he joined the Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy, one of the top programs for young soccer talent in the Southwest.

At this academy, he faced strong opponents from all over the region, which helped him refine his skills and learn what elite soccer demands.

Key Youth Academy Stats

Academy	Position	Years
Real Salt Lake-Arizona	Goalkeeper	2012-2014*

*Approximate years based on public records

At Real Salt Lake-Arizona, he got high-level coaching meant to produce college and pro athletes. Today, you see those results in his positioning, distribution, and composure under pressure.

The academy also gave him exposure to scouts, setting the stage for his future in Major League Soccer.

Learn more about Luis Barraza’s background and career.

College Career and Achievements

Luis Barraza’s journey to becoming a professional goalkeeper ran through standout performances at Marquette University, top honors in the Big East Conference, and some gritty experience with USL League Two clubs.

His college accomplishments and those USL stints helped shape the player you see now for D.C. United.

Marquette University Highlights

At Marquette University, you’d see Barraza grow from a promising freshman into a steady last line of defense. Over four years, he started 53 matches and posted 18 career shutouts for the Golden Eagles.

Barraza’s quick reactions, steady hands, and calm presence made him a favorite among his teammates and coaches.

Here’s a look at his key Marquette stats:

Season	Games Started	Shutouts	Save Percentage
Freshman	6	2	70.0%
Sophomore	14	4	74.5%
Junior	15	5	76.0%
Senior	18	7	78.2%

He thrived in high-pressure moments, especially during conference play and tournaments. You could always count on him to organize the back line.

Big East Conference Goalkeeper of the Year

Barraza capped his senior season by winning the Big East Conference Goalkeeper of the Year award. He finished that campaign with a career-best 78.2% save percentage and seven clean sheets.

He made clutch saves that kept the Golden Eagles in games.

Voters recognized his consistency, command of the box, and knack for stopping close-range shots. Earning this award put him among the best college keepers in the country.

Big East coaches regularly praised his work ethic and game prep. As the conference’s top keeper, he faced tough offenses and showed he could rise to every challenge.

USL League Two Experience

Outside of college, Barraza played for USL League Two clubs—an important step in his development. He suited up for Lane United, FC Tucson, and Chicago FC United during college offseasons.

Those summer months kept him sharp and helped him adjust to higher levels of competition.

In USL League Two, Barraza faced talented attackers from all over the country. He learned to adapt to different defensive systems and new teammates quickly.

These opportunities prepared him for the demands of the pro game, mentally and physically.

His performances with Lane United and FC Tucson, especially, caught the eye of scouts and coaches. That USL experience was just as crucial as his college run.

Professional Journey in MLS

Luis Barraza has made steady progress in Major League Soccer, and it’s been all about hard work and perseverance. You can really see how his career has unfolded—starting with his draft selection, then key moments with New York City FC, and now his performances as a top goalkeeper.

MLS SuperDraft Selection

Barraza entered the league as the 12th overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. That’s a pretty exclusive group, with clubs expecting these players to make an impact right away.

MLS teams often use the SuperDraft to fill crucial spots, and picking a goalkeeper early means expectations are sky-high.

His college career at Marquette prepped him for the pro grind—he was known for sharp reflexes, leadership, and reliable shot-stopping. Scouts took notice, and New York City FC grabbed him with their top pick.

Landing in a competitive environment with experienced players put Barraza under pressure, but it also set him up for long-term growth in MLS.

New York City FC Tenure

After signing with New York City FC, Barraza spent several seasons learning from veteran keepers and the coaching staff. He worked hard in training, waiting for his shot as a backup.

He made his first pro appearances in the 2021 season. Over the next few years, Barraza played in league matches, cup games, and stepped up as a spot starter when needed.

Teammates and coaches praised his technical skills and calm presence in goal.

In December 2024, D.C. United traded for Barraza, sending General Allocation Money to NYCFC. That move ended his five-year run in New York and gave him a real shot at a starting role.

You can find more on the trade here: D.C. United Acquires Goalkeeper Luis Barraza.

Key Performances and Clean Sheets

Barraza’s pro record stands out for consistency and big shutouts. As he earned more starts, his ability to rack up clean sheets against top MLS offenses really became his calling card.

Key 2024 Performance Stats:

Season	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Saves
2024	25	8	81

You saw some of his best work in tight matches where shot-stopping made all the difference. Coaches trusted him in regular season and cup games, pointing to his positioning and quick reactions.

His journey from backup to starting MLS goalkeeper shows up not just in the stats, but in how he manages the defense and communicates with teammates.

Transfer to D.C. United

Luis Barraza joined D.C. United in a deal that turned heads—a move from New York City FC as the club looked to shake up its options in goal.

D.C. United made this call as part of a bigger strategy to shore up the defense and strengthen key spots.

Acquisition Details and General Allocation Money

Barraza arrived in Washington after a trade involving General Allocation Money (GAM). D.C. United sent NYCFC a guaranteed $50,000 in 2025 GAM, with up to another $100,000 possible if Barraza hits certain performance marks.

So, the deal could be worth up to $150,000, depending on how things go for Barraza in black and red.

Here’s a quick summary:

Team	Received	Sent
D.C. United	Luis Barraza (Goalkeeper)	Up to $150,000 GAM
NYCFC	Up to $150,000 GAM	Barraza

D.C. United used the flexibility of GAM to bring in an experienced goalkeeper without giving up players or draft picks.

The agreement ties extra payments to clear, performance-based targets for Barraza. More details here: D.C. United acquires Luis Barraza.

Ally Mackay’s Perspective

Sporting Director Ally Mackay played a key role in bringing Barraza to D.C. United. Mackay pointed to Barraza’s shot-stopping ability and experience as big assets for a roster looking for more stability in goal.

Barraza spent a lot of time as a backup in New York, but he showed flashes of reliability when he got the chance to start.

Mackay made it clear—this move fits into a bigger plan to build a roster with competition at every spot. He values depth, especially at goalkeeper.

Mackay said Barraza is hungry for a bigger role, and the team expects every major signing to compete for playing time.

Goalkeeper Depth and Jordan Farr

Barraza just shook up D.C. United’s goalkeeper depth chart. He’s joining a group that already has Jordan Farr, who most folks thought would be the starter this year.

Now, with Barraza in the mix, you’ve got a real battle for the number one spot. It’s wide open.

That competition could light a fire under both keepers. The coach suddenly has more options, and opponents might have a tough time guessing who’s in goal week to week.

Barraza plays with speed and a ton of confidence. Farr brings a calm, steady presence—totally different strengths.

With Barraza on board, D.C. United can count on having at least two solid keepers ready to go. That’s huge for a long MLS season. Luis Barraza traded to DC United.

2025 Season Outlook With D.C. United

Luis Barraza’s arrival has completely changed the way people talk about D.C. United’s goalkeeper situation. With a new number and a fresh start, he could really shake up the lineup and give a big boost to the club’s MLS Cup hopes.

Jersey Number and Squad Role

Barraza will wear number 13 this season. That number pops, doesn’t it? It’s his new on-field identity and now part of D.C. United’s defensive core.

The club wants him for stability and experience. At 28, he’s right in that sweet spot for goalkeepers.

He’s joining a roster that desperately needed more consistency at the back. D.C. United paid $50,000 in General Allocation Money for him. If he hits certain targets, that figure could jump to $150,000. That’s a big investment and says a lot about what they expect from him.

Barraza isn’t just here to fill out the bench. The club sees him as a key piece to finally steady a position that’s been in flux for a while.

Whether he’s the starter or backup depends on how quickly he settles in and how he looks early on.

Player	Jersey Number	Age	2024 MLS Appearances	Clean Sheets
L. Barraza	13	28	18	3

Competition Among Goalkeepers

This is a crowded, competitive group in net. Barraza’s main challengers are the returning keepers and a couple of hungry young guys trying to break through.

Expect a real battle in preseason and cup matches. Everybody’s got a shot to prove themselves.

Barraza started games for New York City FC and waited his turn for a full-time gig. That experience gives him a little edge.

D.C. United has rotated keepers when form drops or injuries hit, so nothing is set in stone. Training and those first few games will tell us who grabs the job.

Coaches want a keeper who can stop shots and organize the defense. Barraza needs to show he can make quick decisions and lead from the back.

If he takes the top spot, you can bet the others will push even harder. That’s only going to raise the level.

Team Ambitions for MLS Cup

D.C. United looks ready to push for a playoff spot and maybe even make a run in the MLS Cup. Management made it clear—signing Barraza was all about shoring up the defense.

Barraza’s job is to help cut down the goals they’ve been leaking the last few years. With a sharper, more organized back line, they’ve got a real shot at going deeper in the postseason.

The Eastern Conference is a dogfight, so every big save will matter.

They’re also eyeing a good run in the U.S. Open Cup. Barraza could be a huge factor in both competitions, especially if the schedule gets packed.

How he performs in those must-win matches might just decide how far D.C. United can go this year. For more on the transfer and his role, check out the announcement of Barraza’s acquisition.

Playing Style and On-Field Strengths

Luis Barraza brings a blend of athleticism, reliability, and calm under pressure to D.C. United. He’s got quick reflexes and solid leadership.

He focuses on keeping things organized at the back and steps up with clutch saves when it matters most.

Shot-Stopping and Command of Area

Reflexes are everything for a keeper. Barraza reacts fast—he’s a shot-stopper in those tight, 1-on-1 moments.

He’s not afraid to rush out and make himself big. That 6-save performance in the scoreless draw against NYCFC really showed what he can do. At 188 cm, he covers a lot of ground and isn’t shy about cutting down angles.

Barraza also takes charge on crosses and corners. He’ll come out, grab the ball, and bark orders to the defenders.

That kind of confidence gives the back line a big boost. Opponents know he won’t just sit on his line—he’s going to make things tough for them.

Clean Sheet Record

If you want consistency, look at what Barraza’s done since joining D.C. United. He started piling up clean sheets almost right away in the 2025 season.

Match reports highlight his saves in tough spots. Here’s a quick look at the numbers:

Season	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Saves	Save Percentage
2024	17	6	63	71%
2025*	11	4	47	74%

*Data current as of July 2025

Clean sheets matter. They show a keeper’s quality and how well the defense works together.

Barraza’s stats back up his reputation as a reliable option in net. That’s the kind of keeper you want when you’re protecting a lead.

Leadership and Experience

Barraza’s career? It’s really shaped by the minutes he’s put in and the wisdom he’s picked up from seasoned teammates. He spent his first six MLS seasons with New York City FC, then made the move to D.C. United. Along the way, he worked with veteran keepers and soaked up those lessons.

On the pitch, you’ll catch him barking out orders to defenders, getting everyone lined up for set pieces, and staying locked in all game long. His leadership? It’s vocal, sure, but there’s this steady, composed vibe about him.

When things get hectic, you can feel his calm settle over the back line. That kind of presence is huge—especially when younger defenders are still figuring out how to handle the pro level.

Barraza backs up his words with smart positioning and sharp communication. He just gets the rhythm of the game. For D.C. United, having a keeper with this much experience is a real advantage.