Oscar Verhoeven Bio
Oscar Anthony Verhoeven (born May 31, 2006) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a right-back for Major League Soccer club San Diego FC. Standing at 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m), Verhoeven has developed through the youth ranks of the San Jose Earthquakes system before establishing himself as a young defender in MLS. He also represents the United States at the youth international level, having featured for the U16, U17, and U20 national teams.
A product of the Pleasant Hill, California youth scene, Verhoeven transitioned to the professional ranks at the age of 17, becoming one of the younger American defenders to sign a senior deal during the 2023 season. His career has progressed steadily through reserve competition, senior cup appearances, and international duty, positioning him as a prospect to watch in Major League Soccer.
Early Life and Background
Oscar Anthony Verhoeven was born on May 31, 2006, in Pleasant Hill, California, United States. Pleasant Hill, located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, has produced a steady stream of competitive youth soccer talent, and Verhoeven grew up immersed in that environment. From an early age, he was drawn to the sport and developed his skills in local youth setups before catching the attention of professional scouts.
Verhoeven joined the San Jose Earthquakes Academy as a young teenager, working his way through the club’s development pathway. His progression through the academy ranks signaled his potential as a right-back with the tactical awareness and athleticism needed to compete at the next level. By the time he reached his mid-teens, he had earned call-ups to United States youth national team camps, further confirming his standing among the top young defenders in his age group.
Path to Professional Soccer
Verhoeven’s path to professional soccer accelerated in 2023, when, at just 17 years old, he signed a professional contract with the San Jose Earthquakes. The deal was structured to run until 2025, with an option to extend through 2027, reflecting the club’s long-term belief in his potential. He began his senior career with The Town FC, the Earthquakes’ reserve side competing in MLS NEXT Pro, where he gained valuable minutes in a competitive professional environment.
His development at The Town FC laid the groundwork for his first-team opportunity with the San Jose Earthquakes. In parallel, Verhoeven continued to represent the United States at the international youth level, a stage that sharpened his tactical discipline and provided exposure to high-level competition. These experiences helped prepare him for the demands of Major League Soccer and set the stage for a transition to San Diego FC.
Oscar Verhoeven Career
Early Career (2023–2024)
Verhoeven began his professional journey with The Town FC in 2023, featuring in MLS NEXT Pro as part of his development pathway with the San Jose Earthquakes organization. The reserve competition allowed him to adjust to the speed and physicality of senior soccer while training regularly with the first-team environment.
On May 21, 2024, Verhoeven made his senior and professional debut with the San Jose Earthquakes in a 4–3 U.S. Open Cup loss to Sacramento Republic FC. The appearance marked a significant milestone, as it represented his first official match at the MLS senior level and confirmed his progression from academy product to first-team player.
San Diego FC Era (2025–Present)
On April 21, 2025, Verhoeven was loaned to San Diego FC for the remainder of the 2025 season in exchange for $100,000 in general allocation money. The move provided him with a fresh opportunity to compete for first-team minutes within an expansion club building its roster for the long term. During his loan spell, he featured as a right-back, contributing to San Diego FC’s defensive structure.
On November 19, 2025, San Diego FC opted to sign Verhoeven permanently in exchange for $350,000 in additional general allocation money, securing his services beyond the loan arrangement. The transaction underlined the club’s confidence in his long-term potential and signaled his transition into a full-time member of the San Diego FC senior squad. He wears the number 33 shirt for the club.
Driving Style and Strengths
Verhoeven operates primarily as a right-back, a position that demands a balance of defensive responsibility and attacking contribution. His 6-foot frame gives him a strong physical presence in duels and aerial contests, while his academy background has helped refine his positional awareness and passing range. His continued selection for United States youth national teams reflects the consistency of his development and his suitability for the modern full-back role.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Verhoeven’s signature moments is his senior debut for the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup against Sacramento Republic FC, a match that confirmed his arrival in professional soccer. His subsequent loan and permanent move to San Diego FC, completed in 2025, marked another major milestone, establishing him as a long-term piece of the expansion club’s defensive plans.
Oscar Verhoeven International Career
Verhoeven is a United States youth international, having represented the country across multiple age groups. In 2022, he featured for the United States U16 team, demonstrating his early promise on the international stage. He graduated to the U17 setup the same year and continued with the program through 2023.
United States U17 and U20 Highlights
Verhoeven was part of the United States U17 squad that finished as runners-up at the 2023 CONCACAF U-17 Championship, a strong result that qualified the team for the FIFA U-17 World Cup later that year. He subsequently made the U17 squad for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, gaining experience on the global stage. Since 2024, he has represented the United States U20 team, continuing his steady progression through the national team ladder.
Oscar Verhoeven Personal Life
Born and raised in Pleasant Hill, California, Verhoeven comes from an American background and has pursued his professional soccer career within the United States soccer system. Public details about his family and personal relationships have not been widely reported, and he is primarily known for his on-field accomplishments and steady rise through the professional ranks.
2025 Season Performance
Verhoeven’s 2025 season was defined by his mid-year move to San Diego FC, where he joined on loan from the San Jose Earthquakes in April. The transfer provided him with regular first-team opportunities as the expansion club continued to build its identity in Major League Soccer, and he contributed as a right-back within the team’s defensive framework. His performances during the loan period were strong enough to convince San Diego FC to exercise their option to sign him on a permanent basis in November.
The permanent transfer, valued at $350,000 in additional general allocation money, secured his future with San Diego FC and confirmed his status as a long-term project for the club. Combined with his continued involvement with the United States U20 setup, the 2025 campaign represented a pivotal year in Verhoeven’s young career, blending club transition with international development.
Looking ahead, Verhoeven is expected to remain a part of San Diego FC’s senior squad, with the club’s investment signaling clear intent to feature him regularly. His trajectory from San Jose Earthquakes academy product to permanent MLS defender at age 20 highlights a development arc that will be worth monitoring as San Diego FC continues to establish itself in the league.