CJ Fodrey Bio
Calvin Jay Fodrey, known professionally as CJ Fodrey, is an American soccer player who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Austin FC. Standing 6 ft 2 in, he is listed with jersey number 19 and has emerged as one of the promising young attackers from Southern California. Fodrey combines a late-teens development path through elite youth academies with a rapid rise across the USL Championship, college soccer, and Major League Soccer.
Born and raised in California, Fodrey developed through respected San Diego-area clubs before earning a place in the LA Galaxy youth system. After a standout freshman season at San Diego State University, he was selected in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Austin FC, where he is continuing to build his professional career while contributing to the club’s second team.
Early Life and Background
Calvin Jay Fodrey was born on February 10, 2004, in San Jose, California. He spent much of his childhood in the San Diego region, where he first developed an interest in soccer through community-based programs and competitive youth leagues.
As a young player, Fodrey joined Albion Pros Club, a San Diego-area development organization, before moving on to San Diego Surf, one of the most recognized youth soccer clubs in the United States. He continued his progression with the San Diego Nomads from 2016 to 2019, sharpening his attacking instincts and preparing for the next step in his development.
In 2019, Fodrey earned a place in the youth setup of Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy, a move that exposed him to one of the country’s most established professional pathways. He spent time with the Galaxy academy from 2019 to 2020, training alongside top young prospects in Southern California.
Path to Soccer
Fodrey’s path toward professional soccer accelerated when USL Championship side San Diego Loyal invited him to a tryout late in 2020. The invitation came through the club’s assistant coach, Nate Miller, who saw potential in the young forward. Fodrey impressed during the trial and signed a USL academy contract with the club in December 2020.
His first notable moment for the club came in pre-season, when he scored against his former youth side, LA Galaxy. That goal signaled his readiness to compete at the senior level and helped lay the foundation for his professional debut. The transition from youth academy to first-team football set the stage for Fodrey’s breakthrough in the USL Championship.
CJ Fodrey Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
CJ Fodrey made his professional debut on May 22, 2021, for San Diego Loyal in a USL Championship match against Louisville City. He entered the game as an 81st-minute substitute in a 1–2 defeat, marking the beginning of his senior career at the age of 17. The appearance was a significant milestone and confirmed his status as a legitimate professional prospect.
Across his time at San Diego Loyal from 2021 to 2022, Fodrey developed a reputation as a quick, direct attacker capable of influencing matches with his movement and finishing. The experience prepared him for the next step in his career, as he balanced club duties with a commitment to play college soccer at San Diego State University beginning in the fall of 2022.
San Diego State Breakthrough (2022)
In his freshman season with the San Diego State Aztecs, Fodrey made 18 appearances and produced an immediate impact, scoring seven goals and recording four assists. His combination of size, technical quality, and finishing instincts made him one of the most dangerous freshman attackers in the Pac-12 Conference.
Fodrey’s college performances were recognized with selection to the All-Pac-12 First Team, and he was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2022. The accolades highlighted his status as one of the top young forwards in American college soccer and helped position him for an early leap into Major League Soccer.
Austin FC Era (2023–Present)
On December 19, 2022, it was announced that Fodrey would leave San Diego State early, signing a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer and entering the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. Two days later, on December 21, 2022, he was selected 13th overall by Austin FC. Fodrey then made his first-team debut in a 3–1 loss to FC Juárez in the Leagues Cup, introducing himself to the senior stage of MLS.
One of the defining moments of his young Austin FC career came in the U.S. Open Cup, when Fodrey scored the go-ahead goal in the 120th minute against Minnesota United in the semifinal to send Austin FC to its first-ever U.S. Open Cup final. He followed that showing with a strong run while on loan at Austin FC II, contributing an assist and forcing an own goal during the club’s 3–1 victory over Columbus Crew 2 in the 2023 MLS Next Pro Cup. Austin FC has since confirmed that Fodrey would be loaned to the second team again for the 2024 season as he continues his development.
Driving Style and Strengths
Fodrey is a tall, athletic forward listed at 6 ft 2 in who combines physical presence with sharp movement in and around the penalty area. He is comfortable playing as a winger or central forward, using his frame to shield the ball and his quickness to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. His ability to deliver in decisive moments, including late goals in knockout matches, has been a hallmark of his early professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key moments in CJ Fodrey’s career include his professional debut with San Diego Loyal in 2021, his Pac-12 Freshman of the Year award in 2022, his 13th overall selection in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Austin FC, his late semifinal winner against Minnesota United in the U.S. Open Cup, and his role in Austin FC II’s 2023 MLS Next Pro Cup triumph. Each of these milestones reflects a steady climb through the American soccer pyramid.
CJ Fodrey Career Wins
CJ Fodrey’s career to this point has been defined by developmental achievements rather than long lists of senior trophies, but he has already contributed to significant team success. His standout freshman campaign at San Diego State and his role in Austin FC II’s championship run mark him as a winner at multiple levels of the game.
Other Wins and Performances
At the youth and college levels, Fodrey earned All-Pac-12 First Team honors and the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year award in 2022. At the senior level, he was part of Austin FC II’s 2023 MLS Next Pro Cup-winning squad and helped Austin FC reach its first U.S. Open Cup final with a late semifinal goal. These performances underscore his consistent ability to deliver in important matches.
CJ Fodrey Family
Personal Life
CJ Fodrey keeps his personal life largely out of the public eye, and detailed information about his family has not been publicly confirmed. He continues to focus on his professional development as a young forward within the Austin FC organization.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into 2025, CJ Fodrey remains a developing piece of Austin FC’s long-term plans, with the club continuing to balance his first-team exposure with developmental minutes on loan at Austin FC II. The experience gained from contributing to a U.S. Open Cup semifinal win and an MLS Next Pro Cup title gives him a strong foundation to build on.
Throughout the 2025 season, Fodrey is expected to push for a more consistent first-team role with Austin FC in Major League Soccer, Leagues Cup, and U.S. Open Cup competition. His blend of size, finishing ability, and composure in big moments positions him as a candidate to feature more prominently under the club’s matchday squad.
With continued minutes and refinement, the 2025 campaign represents a critical opportunity for Fodrey to translate his early career highlights into a sustained starting role at the MLS level.