Mark-Anthony Kaye Bio
Mark-Anthony Kaye (born 2 December 1994) is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes and the Canada national team. Standing 1.86 m tall, he is recognized for his box-to-box work in central midfield and his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. Kaye has represented Canada at the senior level since 2017 and has been part of squads for three CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Over the course of his career, Kaye has played in the USL, Major League Soccer, and the Canadian youth international setup, building a reputation as a versatile midfielder. After time in lower divisions, he broke through with Los Angeles FC and has since featured for multiple MLS clubs. His journey from Toronto youth soccer to the senior national team reflects steady development through the North American soccer pyramid.
Early Life and Background
Born in Toronto, Ontario to Jamaican parents, Mark-Anthony Kaye grew up in the city and first began playing organized soccer with Wexford SC in Scarborough. He later played with Ajax SC, winning a provincial title in 2009, and continued his youth development with Glen Shields SC and Bryst FA.
Kaye attended elementary school at John Ross Robinson Public School and high school at Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute, where he played soccer and was twice named team MVP. He also took part in cross country, and track and field during his school years, developing the athletic foundation that would later support his professional career.
Path to Professional Soccer
After completing high school, Kaye played two seasons of university soccer at York University from 2012 to 2013. During his time with the York Lions, he appeared in 29 matches and scored 18 goals, was named OUA Rookie of the Year in his first season, and earned CIS All-Canadian second-team and OUA first-team honors in his second year. York won the OUA championship during his final university season.
Following his time at York, Kaye joined the Toronto FC Academy in 2013. He featured in League1 Ontario with the senior academy team, appearing in nine matches and scoring one goal in 2014. That summer, he moved on loan to the Wilmington Hammerheads of USL Pro, making his professional debut on August 23, 2014, against Orange County Blues FC. He scored his first professional goal and added an assist the very next day in a 3–3 draw with LA Galaxy II, finishing his loan with two goals and two assists in seven appearances.
Mark-Anthony Kaye Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
On March 12, 2015, Kaye signed with USL side Toronto FC II ahead of their inaugural season. He made his debut against the Charleston Battery on March 21, 2015, and appeared in 22 matches without scoring during the campaign. The following January, he signed with Louisville City FC, where he would make his biggest early impression in American lower-division soccer.
With Louisville, Kaye played in 24 of 28 regular season matches in 2016, scoring one goal and adding three assists. In 2017, he scored four goals in 19 regular season appearances and featured in both U.S. Open Cup matches, scoring once against the Tartan Devils. He started all four USL Cup playoff matches and helped Louisville win the USL Cup Final against Swope Park Rangers, the club’s first major trophy.
Los Angeles FC Breakthrough (2018–2021)
After two seasons in Louisville, Kaye was transferred to expansion Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC ahead of their inaugural 2018 campaign. He made his LAFC debut against Seattle Sounders FC in the season opener and quickly established himself as a regular in central midfield under coach Bob Bradley.
His first season was interrupted on July 26, 2018, when he suffered a fractured foot in the El Tráfico rivalry match against the LA Galaxy. Bradley said Kaye would need surgery, and NBC Sports reported the injury would sideline him for four to six months. Despite the setback, Kaye had already shown enough in his early MLS appearances to be viewed as a key part of LAFC’s midfield.
After recovering, Kaye returned to action and continued to develop as a box-to-box midfielder for LAFC over the following seasons. His combination of range, tackling, and ability to get into both boxes made him a distinctive presence in the squad.
Colorado Rapids Era (2021–2022)
On July 27, 2021, Kaye was traded, alongside a first-round pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for $1 million in General Allocation Money and a 2022 international roster slot. He made his Rapids debut on August 7, 2021, against Sporting Kansas City and scored his first goal for the club on August 21, netting the game-winner in a 2–1 comeback victory over Real Mountain Cup rivals Real Salt Lake.
At the end of the 2021 season, Colorado exercised Kaye’s contract option, keeping him at the club through 2022. Before the 2022 season, the club announced a four-year contract extension running through the end of 2025, with an option for 2026, signaling its long-term commitment to the midfielder.
Toronto FC Return (2022–2023)
In July 2022, Toronto FC announced they had traded Ralph Priso, General Allocation Money, a 2023 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick, and an international roster slot for Kaye. The move returned the midfielder to Toronto after six years away and reunited him with Bob Bradley, his former coach at Los Angeles FC. He made his Toronto debut on July 13, starting against the Chicago Fire.
Kaye scored his first goal for Toronto FC in the first match of the 2023 season, netting Toronto’s second goal in an eventual 3–2 defeat to D.C. United on February 25, 2023.
New England Revolution Era (2023–2024)
On July 13, 2023, Kaye was traded to the New England Revolution in return for Latif Blessing and a 2023 international roster slot. He scored his first goal for the club on February 29, 2024, in the Revolution’s 3–0 win over C.A. Independiente de La Chorrera in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
San Jose Earthquakes Era (2024–Present)
On December 2, 2024, Kaye, along with teammates Dave Romney and Ian Harkes, was traded to the San Jose Earthquakes for around $500,000 in General Allocation Money and an international roster spot. The deal reunited him with former Revolution manager Bruce Arena and marked his return to the Western Conference.
Driving Style and Strengths
During his time at Louisville, Kaye operated as an attacking midfielder and winger, but after stepping into MLS he transitioned into a box-to-box central midfield role. LAFC coach Bob Bradley described him as a player who brings range, the ability to close down, and the willingness to win balls in the air and get into both boxes, traits that have defined his professional game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Kaye’s career milestones include winning the USL Cup with Louisville City in 2017, his debut MLS goal with the Colorado Rapids against Real Salt Lake in 2021, and his first Canada national team goals, a brace in an 11–0 victory over the Cayman Islands on March 29, 2021. He was also part of Canada’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Mark-Anthony Kaye Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kaye was born in Toronto, Ontario to Jamaican parents, a heritage he has often referenced in interviews. His upbringing in a sports-oriented household in the city’s Scarborough and North York neighborhoods helped shape his early love for soccer.
Personal Life
Beyond his family background, Kaye keeps his personal life largely private. He attended Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute and later York University, and continues to be recognized for his professional conduct on and off the field.
2025 Season Performance
Kaye entered 2025 with the San Jose Earthquakes after being traded from the New England Revolution. Reunited with Bruce Arena, he was expected to play a central role in the club’s midfield as the Earthquakes sought to climb the Western Conference standings.
The trade, which included teammates Dave Romney and Ian Harkes, was seen as a reunion project for Arena, who had previously coached Kaye in New England. Throughout the campaign, Kaye’s box-to-box midfield work and experience were central to San Jose’s plans.
Heading into the latter portion of 2025, Kaye remained a key figure for the Earthquakes, with the club looking to build momentum around its veteran core and challenge for a postseason return.
