Major League Soccer kicks off its 29th season with a focus on Homegrown players, with more than 70 signing MLS Homegrown contracts since the beginning of 2023. The New Jersey soccer presence in MLS goes beyond the Red Bulls, with 21 players hailing from the state.

By the Numbers
  • In 2023, 174 Homegrown players saw regular-season action, scoring 187 goals, a 15% increase from 2022.
  • The Red Bulls have signed 34 Homegrown players since the program's founding in 2009.
  • Alejandro Bedoya has 22 goals and 33 assists in 214 appearances for the Philadelphia Union, becoming the third player in club history to make more than 200 appearances.
State of Play
  • Lionel Messi dominates headlines at the start of the 29th MLS season, but attention is shifting to the influx of Homegrown talent.
  • 21 New Jersey players are making their mark across various MLS teams, showcasing the state's strong soccer roots.
Bottom Line

The 2024 MLS season reflects a growing emphasis on Homegrown talent, with New Jersey's 21 players exemplifying the state's significant soccer contributions beyond the Red Bulls.