Joe Gallardo Bio
Joe Gallardo, born on January 1, 1998, in San Diego, California, is an American professional soccer player who competes as a forward. Standing 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) tall, he has built his career across multiple leagues in the United States and Mexico, showcasing his adaptability in front of goal. Gallardo is currently recognized as a forward for Spokane Velocity in USL League One, following several seasons in the same division with Union Omaha.
A graduate of Club de Fútbol Monterrey’s youth academy, Gallardo transitioned to the American professional ranks in 2017 and has since represented clubs in the United Soccer League system, Liga MX, and Liga de Expansión MX. Of Mexican descent, he is eligible to represent both the United States and Mexico at the international level.
Early Life and Background
Joe Gallardo was born and raised in San Diego, California, a city with deep ties to both American and Mexican soccer cultures. Growing up in this border-region environment exposed him to the sport from a young age, and he pursued formal development through one of Mexico’s most respected academies.
From 2012 to 2016, Gallardo played in the youth ranks of Club de Fútbol Monterrey, where he developed his technical skills as a forward. During this period, he also represented the United States at the under-17 level between 2013 and 2015, reflecting his standing as one of the country’s promising young strikers.
After completing his time with Monterrey, Gallardo moved to the Orlando City developmental system for the 2016–2017 cycle, which served as a bridge between his Mexican youth experience and his professional career in the United States.
Joe Gallardo Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Gallardo was acquired by Orlando City B on January 25, 2017, marking his entry into the professional ranks of the United Soccer League. Orlando City B served as a developmental affiliate for the Orlando City SC organization, and the move provided Gallardo with his first consistent minutes as a senior player.
In 2018, he joined SIMA Águilas, another developmental side in the same ecosystem. During these two seasons, Gallardo refined his professional approach, adjusting to the physical and tactical demands of senior-level competition in the United States.
Richmond Kickers and Real Monarchs Breakthrough (2019–2020)
Gallardo spent the 2019 season with the Richmond Kickers in USL League One, where he emerged as the club’s leading goalscorer. His ability to find the back of the net consistently helped establish his reputation as a reliable forward in the American lower divisions.
On December 5, 2019, Gallardo was transferred to USL Championship side Real Monarchs for an undisclosed fee, signaling a step up in competition. His performance during this period also drew international attention, as he became a target for clubs in Mexico’s top flight during the 2020 winter transfer window.
Liga MX and Liga de Expansión MX (2021–2022)
In early 2021, Liga MX club Querétaro FC secured Gallardo’s signature on a multi-year contract, bringing him back to Mexican football. He made his professional debut in Mexico’s top flight during the Guardianes 2021 tournament, adjusting to the pace and style of one of North America’s most competitive leagues.
For the 2022 season, Gallardo was loaned to Correcaminos UAT of the Liga de Expansión MX, where he continued to gain senior experience. The loan allowed him to maintain consistent playing time and further his development as a forward.
Union Omaha Era (2023–2025)
On February 14, 2023, Gallardo signed with Union Omaha, returning to USL League One. His time with the club proved to be one of the most productive stretches of his career. In recognition of his performances, Gallardo was named to the USL League One All-League First Team.
During his Union Omaha tenure, Gallardo wore the number 7 shirt and served as a key attacking piece for the team. His combination of hold-up play, movement off the ball, and finishing helped Union Omaha remain competitive in the league.
Spokane Velocity Era (2026–Present)
In 2026, Gallardo moved to Spokane Velocity, another USL League One side, where he currently plays as a forward wearing the number 7 jersey. The move marks a new chapter in his professional career as he continues to compete in the same division where he earned his All-League recognition.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Gallardo’s career is his selection to the USL League One All-League First Team, which underscored his impact during his time with Union Omaha. He also holds the distinction of leading the Richmond Kickers in goals during the 2019 season, a performance that directly led to his transfer to Real Monarchs.
Joe Gallardo Career Wins
Joe Gallardo’s senior career has spanned clubs in USL League One, USL Championship, Liga MX, and Liga de Expansión MX. His most decorated stretch came with Union Omaha, where his contributions were recognized with an All-League First Team selection.
Union Omaha Highlights
During his time with Union Omaha from 2023 to 2025, Gallardo established himself as one of the standout forwards in USL League One. His consistent scoring and all-around play earned him a place in the league’s end-of-season First Team, a milestone that reflects his development since his early professional years.
Other Wins and Performances
Gallardo’s time with the Richmond Kickers produced his first major statistical milestone, as he led the club in goals during the 2019 USL League One season. Across his Liga MX spell with Querétaro and his loan at Correcaminos UAT, he continued to develop his game against top-level Mexican competition.
Joe Gallardo Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Joe Gallardo was born in the United States and is of Mexican descent, a heritage that makes him eligible to represent Mexico at the international level in addition to the United States. His upbringing in San Diego placed him near the U.S.–Mexico border, a region known for producing bilingual, bicultural athletes.
Beyond his professional career, Gallardo maintains an active presence on social media, where he engages with fans and shares updates from his journey in professional soccer.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, Joe Gallardo continued his tenure with Union Omaha in USL League One, building on the form that earned him All-League First Team recognition. As one of the team’s primary attacking options, he played a central role in the club’s pursuit of postseason qualification.
Gallardo’s consistency in front of goal and his understanding of the league’s tactical demands allowed him to remain a focal point of Union Omaha’s offensive strategy. His experience from Liga MX added a layer of composure to his performances throughout the campaign.
Heading into the close of the 2025 season, Gallardo’s form positioned him as a veteran presence in the Union Omaha locker room. His upcoming transition to Spokane Velocity in 2026 reflects the next step in a career that has steadily grown across multiple leagues and countries.