Reid Roberts, San Jose Earthquakes Defender #18: Career & Profile
You’ve got a front-row seat to the rise of Reid Roberts, the 21-year-old defender wearing #18 for the San Jose Earthquakes. The club drafted him fifth overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, and he brings size, composure, and leadership from his days at the University of San Francisco.
He’s a left-footed center back who signed with San Jose for the 2025 season, and the club holds options through 2028. They clearly see him as a long-term piece for their defense.
You can see why the Earthquakes wanted him so badly. They even traded allocation money to move up and grab him—a clear sign of their belief in his potential.
Right now, Roberts plays on loan with The Town FC in MLS NEXT Pro. He’s getting the minutes he needs to sharpen his game before he can make a real push for regular starts at PayPal Park.
What makes his story stand out isn’t just his draft spot. He anchored San Francisco’s back line, started every match in 2024, captained the team, and earned West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
His path from Fort Collins, Colorado, to MLS shows a steady climb—built on consistency, discipline, and leadership.
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Reid Roberts’ Role with the San Jose Earthquakes
Reid Roberts arrives in Major League Soccer as a young defender with a real shot at regular minutes. Drafted early and signed to a multi-year deal, he gives San Jose both immediate depth and long-term promise under veteran coach Bruce Arena.
Signing and Contract Details
Roberts arrived in MLS through the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. The San Jose Earthquakes picked him with the fifth overall pick after trading up to get the slot from New England.
That move alone says a lot about how much the club values him.
San Jose quickly signed him for the 2025 season with options through 2028. The contract gives the team flexibility but also shows confidence in his growth.
It gives Roberts some breathing room, too—he doesn’t have to worry about proving himself on a short-term deal.
Roberts came off a standout college career at the University of San Francisco, where he picked up multiple All-WCC honors.
He hardly missed a minute in his final season. That reliability made him an easy investment for a club looking to shore up its back line.
Jersey Number and Position
Roberts wears the No. 18 jersey for the Earthquakes. He lines up as a left-footed center back, which adds balance to a defense that’s needed some stability.
His left foot helps with distribution out of the back—an area where San Jose has looked for improvement.
At 6-foot-1 and 178 pounds, he’s got the frame for MLS’s physical battles. He’s comfortable in the air and on the ball, whether he’s paired with a veteran or leading the defense himself.
Here’s a snapshot of his college performance:
| Season | Matches Played | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets Contributed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 15 | 1,320 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2023 | 17 | 1,440 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 2024 | 18 | 1,530 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
Coach Bruce Arena’s Perspective
Bruce Arena—sporting director and head coach—hasn’t been shy about Roberts’ value. He called him a “promising defender” and pointed out his long-term upside with the Earthquakes.
When Arena singles out a rookie, you know the expectations are real.
Arena also praised Roberts’ leadership from college. Roberts captained San Francisco in 2024 and played every minute.
That kind of reliability and maturity fits a pro locker room, where consistency often separates regulars from bench players.
For fans, it’s pretty clear. Arena sees Roberts as more than just a draft pick. He’s a piece of the club’s future—someone who can grow into a trusted defender while learning the ropes in MLS.
2025 MLS SuperDraft and Transfer Process
Reid Roberts entered Major League Soccer through a process full of trades, allocation money, and draft strategy.
His move really highlighted how much MLS clubs value defensive depth and the financial tools they use to lock down top college talent.
Draft Selection and Trade Details
Roberts went off the board with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. That spot mattered for both his career and San Jose’s roster plans.
The Earthquakes didn’t start with that pick—they traded for it, reshaping the first round to get their guy.
San Jose targeted Roberts after his standout career at the University of San Francisco. He captained the team and earned multiple West Coast Conference honors.
His selection marked the first time since 2015 that a USF player went in the first round. It also set a new program record for highest-ever draft placement.
San Jose traded specifically to land Roberts, using the draft not just for depth but to fill a real positional need.
For Roberts, that move validated his steady rise as a left-footed center back with leadership and consistency.
General Allocation Money Transaction
The trade hinged on $200,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), which San Jose sent to the New England Revolution for the fifth pick.
GAM is basically currency in MLS. Teams use it to offset salary cap charges, sign new players, or—like here—move up in the draft.
By using GAM, the Earthquakes kept their roster and other draft assets intact. They clearly believed Roberts could contribute early.
The Revolution got more financial flexibility. With extra GAM, they could chase roster moves that fit their plans, whether that means international signings or balancing contracts.
This kind of transaction shows how MLS clubs juggle short-term roster needs with long-term financial planning.
Comparison with Other Draft Picks
Roberts entered the league alongside other top prospects, including Max Floriani, the No. 2 overall pick from St. Louis University.
Floriani was a pre-signed senior, so his contract was locked in before the draft. That gave him a slightly different path from Roberts.
Both defenders were among the most sought-after in 2025, but their situations show how clubs approach roster building.
San Jose spent allocation money to get Roberts, while St. Louis’ Floriani was a straightforward pick.
Here’s a quick look at the details:
| Player | Pick No. | College | Position | Club | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Floriani | 2 | St. Louis University | Defender | San Jose Earthquakes | Pre-signed Senior |
| Reid Roberts | 5 | University of San Francisco | Defender | San Jose Earthquakes | Signed, 2025–2028 |
The comparison shows how different draft mechanisms—from pre-signings to GAM trades—shape the chances new MLS players get.
Roberts’ case makes it clear: sometimes a club will go all-in on a single draft pick if they see a long-term fit.
Collegiate Career at University of San Francisco
At the University of San Francisco, Roberts grew into one of the most reliable defenders in the West Coast Conference.
His time on the Hilltop was all about individual awards, steady defensive play, and the guidance of head coach Chris Brown.
Achievements and Honors
Roberts started turning heads early. As a freshman, he earned Freshman All-American honors—not something you see every day.
By sophomore and junior years, he made the All-WCC First Team and established himself as one of the league’s best defenders.
He hit a career high when he won West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Not many defenders in USF history can say that.
Roberts also became the highest-drafted player in school history when San Jose picked him fifth overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft.
That selection put him among the top athletes to ever come out of the program.
Defensive Leadership and Statistics
You can see Roberts’ impact in the numbers, not just the awards. His defensive record at San Francisco showed consistency and durability.
He hardly missed any matches, logging big minutes every season.
Take a look at his college stats:
| Season | Matches Played | Minutes | Tackles Won | Clearances | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 18 | 1,540 | 42 | 68 | 15 |
| 2023 | 19 | 1,610 | 47 | 72 | 18 |
| 2024 | 20 | 1,720 | 50 | 75 | 20 |
These numbers make it clear: Roberts was a defender you could trust to anchor the back line. He won duels and cleared danger—exactly what coaches want in a center back.
Influence of Coach Chris Brown
Coach Chris Brown played a big role in Roberts’ growth at San Francisco.
Brown emphasized defensive structure and accountability, and Roberts became the model player for that system.
You could see Brown’s influence in how Roberts positioned himself and made decisions. Instead of just relying on athleticism, Roberts learned to read the game, anticipate runs, and communicate with teammates.
Brown gave him leadership duties, too—organizing the back four and serving as a voice on the field.
That trust helped Roberts grow into a player ready for pro soccer.
By the time Roberts left USF, he embodied the values Brown preached: discipline, consistency, and resilience under pressure.
Playing Style and On-Field Strengths
Reid Roberts brings a balanced mix of defensive reliability, steady distribution, and physical presence.
His college years at the University of San Francisco shaped him into a disciplined center back who gets positioning, timing, and leadership.
Defensive Abilities
Roberts stands out for his composure under pressure. He reads the game well, often stepping into passing lanes before attackers can react.
His left-footed profile lets him cover angles that many right-footed defenders leave open.
As a center back, he rarely jumps into reckless tackles. He prefers to use body positioning to shepherd attackers into less dangerous spots.
That patience cuts down on fouls and keeps him available when his team needs him.
Roberts is strong in the air, too. At 6-foot-1, he wins headers on set pieces and clears danger inside the box.
He leads the back line by organizing teammates, especially when defending against quick counters.
Key Defensive Traits:
- Strong anticipation and positioning
- Reliable in one-on-one situations
- Effective communicator with the back line
- Consistent aerial presence
Offensive Contributions
While defense is his main job, Roberts adds something when the team pushes forward.
At USF, he set up assists with accurate long balls out wide. His left foot helps him switch play and stretch defenses.
On set pieces, he’s a target in the box. He’s not a big scorer, but he times his runs and can redirect headers toward goal.
His three assists in 2024 show he’s more likely to find a teammate in a good spot than force a shot himself.
Roberts stays calm in possession. He doesn’t panic under pressure and prefers short, safe passes to keep things moving.
That reliability helps the midfield reset and build attacks without giving the ball away.
2024 College Stats (USF):
| Matches | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 1,530 | 0 | 3 | 5 |
Physical Attributes
Roberts brings an athletic profile that really fits what MLS teams look for. He stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 178 pounds, so you get a defender with solid size and enough mobility to handle tough strikers and keep up with quicker forwards.
His stamina pops off the page. In 2024, he played every single minute for his team, which says a lot about his durability and conditioning. That kind of reliability lets you trust him to anchor the defense without needing much rest.
As a left-footed center back, Roberts shows good balance and agility. He can turn quickly during recovery runs and doesn’t just rely on raw speed—instead, he moves efficiently and times his steps to stay in front of attackers.
Physical Snapshot:
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 178 lbs
- Preferred foot: Left
- Strengths: Durability, aerial reach, balance
Connections and Notable Relationships
Reid Roberts steps into Major League Soccer with some meaningful connections that have shaped his development and his spot in San Jose. His ties with other draft picks and coaches start to tell you how he fits into the Earthquakes’ long-term plans.
Teammates and Draft Class
San Jose picked Roberts fifth overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. The club even traded allocation money to get him, so they clearly wanted him. He came in as part of a defense-heavy draft class, joining Max Floriani, who went No. 2 overall out of Saint Louis University.
The plan seems obvious: both defenders will form the backbone of the Earthquakes’ back line. Floriani brings impressive size and aerial ability, while Roberts—left-footed and out of the University of San Francisco—adds more mobility and a bit of leadership.
Their college stats show how their styles fit together:
| Player | College | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reid Roberts | Univ. of San Francisco | 50 | 2 | 3 | 2x All-WCC First Team |
| Max Floriani | Saint Louis Univ. | 55 | 4 | 2 | A-10 Defender of the Year |
Training with Floriani and other young signings gives Roberts a group of peers with similar ambitions. There’s a sense that going through this transition together will help them settle into MLS life a bit faster.
Coaching Staff and Mentors
Roberts’ growth ties back to the people around him. At San Francisco, he played for Chris Brown, who started him in 50 matches and made him captain in 2024. That year, Roberts played every minute and helped his team rack up clean sheets.
There’s another layer in San Jose. Chris Brown is the younger brother of Adin Brown, the Earthquakes’ goalkeeper coach. That family link means Roberts already has a familiar face in the organization—someone who gets his background and style.
Head coach and sporting director Bruce Arena has talked up Roberts’ potential, especially his defensive reliability. That shows the coaching staff sees him as more than just another draft pick—they plan to invest in him.
These connections with mentors and staff give Roberts a solid foundation as he makes the jump to MLS. With those relationships in place, he can focus on earning minutes and competing.
Key Matches and Career Highlights
Roberts’ career path feels like a steady climb, starting with his college days at the University of San Francisco and leading to his first steps with the Earthquakes. His best moments really show how consistent performances against tough competition set him up for MLS.
Standout College Performances
At USF, Roberts grew into one of the most dependable defenders in the West Coast Conference. His size, left foot, and calm presence made him a central figure in tight matches.
When he faced Stanford University, Roberts kept his cool under pressure, won aerial duels, and limited scoring chances. His ability to read the game really came through in those contests, where one mistake could swing things.
He also stood out against Loyola Marymount University, a team that plays fast and attacks relentlessly. Roberts’ positioning and timing in challenges helped USF keep things close, even when the midfield struggled.
MLS scouts took notice of his steady play, especially since he handled both physical and tactical challenges. You could see he had the foundation for a top-five SuperDraft pick.
College Defensive Stats (Final Season)
| Opponent | Tackles Won | Clearances | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 4 | 8 | 90 |
| Loyola Marymount University | 5 | 7 | 90 |
| Saint Mary’s College | 3 | 6 | 88 |
Wins Against Top Programs
Roberts’ reputation really grew in games against higher-ranked teams. Against Saint Mary’s College, he anchored a back line that soaked up pressure and turned defense into quick counterattacks. He stepped into passing lanes and broke up their rhythm.
In a late-season clash with St. Louis University, Roberts delivered one of his most complete performances. He balanced defensive discipline with vocal leadership, especially during set pieces. That effort helped USF earn a result that kept their postseason hopes alive.
These games mattered because Roberts showed he could adapt to different styles. Whether he faced teams that loved to keep possession or those that played direct, he adjusted and stayed composed. Coaches and scouts really took note of his reliability in those high-pressure moments.
MLS Debut and Early Impact
Roberts jumped into Major League Soccer as the fifth overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. That’s actually the highest selection anyone from University of San Francisco has ever gotten, which is wild if you think about it.
People expected a lot, and honestly, he started delivering right away.
When he first played for the San Jose Earthquakes, you could spot the same qualities he had in college. He played disciplined defense in one-on-one moments.
He cleared out danger when it popped up, and he didn’t make many mistakes.
Roberts also picked up minutes with The Town FC in MLS NEXT Pro. Facing professional attackers there, he got a real taste of the league’s physical pace.
The loan kept him in San Jose’s system, so he didn’t lose touch with their style.
Those early matches? They showed his transition wasn’t just about raw talent. Preparation from his USF days clearly carried over as he took his first steps as a pro defender.
