Tom Barlow Bio
Tom Barlow (born July 8, 1995) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward in Major League Soccer. He currently represents FC Cincinnati after previously playing for Chicago Fire FC, and is widely recognized for his work rate and finishing inside the penalty area. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, Barlow has built his career on a steady climb from college soccer to the professional ranks of the United States.
Across his professional journey, Barlow has competed in Major League Soccer, the USL Championship, and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, earning a reputation as a dependable goal scorer. His path through the New York Red Bulls organization and his subsequent moves to Chicago Fire FC and FC Cincinnati have shaped him into a versatile forward capable of contributing at multiple levels of American soccer.
Early Life and Background
Tom Barlow was born on July 8, 1995, in St. Louis, Missouri, a city long regarded as one of the strongholds of American soccer. Growing up in this environment gave him early and consistent exposure to the sport, and he developed his skills through local youth play before reaching the high school level.
Barlow attended Chaminade College Preparatory School, where he continued to sharpen his abilities as a forward. His performances during these formative years helped him attract attention from college programs, and he eventually committed to the University of Wisconsin. The combination of St. Louis’s soccer culture and a solid high school foundation prepared him well for the demands of collegiate competition.
Path to Soccer
Barlow played college soccer for four seasons at the University of Wisconsin, representing the Wisconsin Badgers from 2014 to 2017. During his time in the college ranks, he scored 23 goals across 78 matches, establishing himself as a reliable attacking threat. His consistent production in college drew the attention of professional scouts and set the stage for his entry into the professional game.
In addition to his college career, Barlow gained valuable experience in the Premier Development League (PDL), playing for Reading United AC in 2015, Des Moines Menace in 2016, and Chicago FC United in 2017. While with Chicago FC United, he scored his first senior goal in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on May 17, 2017, helping his side to a 3-1 upset victory. These developmental stints allowed him to adjust to the physical and tactical demands of senior-level soccer before making the leap to the professional ranks.
Tom Barlow Career
Early Career (2015-2017)
Tom Barlow’s early senior career took place across the Premier Development League, where he played for Reading United AC, Des Moines Menace, and Chicago FC United between 2015 and 2017. These appearances allowed him to refine his game as a forward and gain experience against older and more physical opponents. His goal-scoring touch was on display throughout this period, highlighted by his debut senior goal in the U.S. Open Cup in 2017.
During this developmental phase, Barlow balanced his college commitments with summer league play, a common path for aspiring American professionals. His performances with Wisconsin Badgers and his PDL clubs convinced scouts that he was ready for a full-time professional opportunity, leading to his selection in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.
New York Red Bulls II Breakthrough (2018-2019)
On January 19, 2018, Tom Barlow was selected in the second round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls. He signed his first professional contract with New York Red Bulls II, the club’s USL affiliate, on March 15, 2018. Just two months later, on May 27, 2018, he scored his first goal for New York in a 4-1 victory over Indy Eleven.
The 2018 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Barlow at the USL level. On August 25, 2018, he recorded a second-half hat trick to help New York rescue a 4-4 draw with Charleston Battery after trailing 3-0 at halftime, a performance that demonstrated his resilience and finishing instincts. He later helped New York advance in the 2018 USL Playoffs by scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Charleston Battery on October 20, 2018.
Barlow continued his strong form in 2019, opening the season with two goals in a 3-1 victory over Swope Park Rangers on March 9, 2019. He added another brace against Bethlehem Steel on July 10, 2019, finishing the season with 11 goals in 16 matches for the USL Championship squad. His prolific scoring earned him attention from the parent club’s first team.
New York Red Bulls Era (2019-2023)
On May 8, 2019, Tom Barlow signed a first-team contract with the New York Red Bulls, marking his arrival in Major League Soccer. Eleven days later, on May 19, 2019, he made an immediate impact by scoring his first MLS goal on his debut in a 1-0 victory over Atlanta United, finding the net against veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan despite his team playing down a man. He ended his debut MLS season with 5 goals in 14 appearances, a strong return for a rookie forward.
Barlow continued to contribute regularly over the following seasons. On September 27, 2020, he scored twice in a 4-1 victory over Montreal Impact, and on February 26, 2022, he netted the third goal in a 3-1 opening-day win over San Jose Earthquakes. In the 2022 U.S. Open Cup, he scored in a 3-1 victory over Charlotte FC as New York advanced to the quarterfinals, and on July 24, 2022, he delivered the winning goal in a 4-3 victory over Austin FC at Q2 Stadium.
His final season with New York in 2023 featured several memorable moments, including an injury-time equalizer against San Jose Earthquakes on April 8, the lone goal in a 1-0 win at Inter Miami on May 31, and the opening goal in a 3-0 victory over Toronto FC on October 7. He added another goal on October 25, 2023, in a 5-2 win over Charlotte FC, helping New York advance to the first round of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Chicago Fire FC Era (2024-2025)
Following his departure from the New York Red Bulls organization, Tom Barlow moved to Chicago Fire FC, where he continued his career as a forward in Major League Soccer. His experience as a proven MLS goal scorer made him a valuable addition to the Chicago attack, and he contributed goals and leadership during his time with the club through the 2025 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Tom Barlow is recognized for his height, physical presence, and ability to finish in and around the penalty area. His movement off the ball and comfort in aerial duels allow him to serve as a target forward, while his work rate and pressing make him effective in defensive phases. Across his professional career, he has demonstrated the ability to score in a variety of ways, including poacher’s finishes, headed goals, and composed strikes from inside the box.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Tom Barlow’s most notable moments are his MLS debut goal against Atlanta United in 2019, his second-half hat trick for New York Red Bulls II against Charleston Battery in 2018, and his match-winning strike at Austin FC in 2022. He has also contributed key goals in the U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Cup Playoffs, marking him as a forward capable of performing in high-pressure matches.
Tom Barlow Career Wins
Tom Barlow has built a steady record of goals across multiple competitions, including Major League Soccer, the USL Championship, and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. While comprehensive win totals across all tournaments are not fully verified, his contributions at the professional level have been consistent since his debut in 2018.
MLS Highlights
In Major League Soccer with the New York Red Bulls, Tom Barlow scored 5 goals in 14 appearances during his debut 2019 season and added further goals in subsequent campaigns. He scored twice against Montreal Impact in 2020 and delivered key strikes against San Jose Earthquakes, Charlotte FC, Inter Miami, Toronto FC, and Austin FC between 2022 and 2023, helping his clubs push forward in both regular-season and cup competition.
Other Wins and Performances
In the USL Championship with New York Red Bulls II, Barlow registered 11 goals in 16 matches during the 2019 season alone and added a memorable hat trick against Charleston Battery in 2018. His early senior goal in the U.S. Open Cup for Chicago FC United in 2017 marked his arrival as a competitive forward at the senior level.
Tom Barlow Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Tom Barlow was raised in St. Louis, Missouri, a city with a deep and storied soccer tradition that has produced numerous American professionals. His upbringing in this environment played a significant role in shaping his path toward a career in the sport.
Personal Life
Tom Barlow maintains an active presence on social media and is represented professionally as a Major League Soccer forward. Public details about his family and personal relationships are limited, and additional information has not been widely reported.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, Tom Barlow continued his role as a forward in Major League Soccer, contributing to Chicago Fire FC’s attacking line. His experience as a veteran MLS scorer provided the club with a reliable presence in the final third as the team navigated its campaign.
Barlow’s familiarity with multiple league opponents and his comfort in high-pressure moments allowed him to remain a regular contributor throughout the season. His track record of decisive goals against conference rivals continued to underline his value as a proven MLS forward.
Looking ahead, Barlow’s consistent scoring form and leadership in the locker room position him well for the next chapter of his career. His professional journey from the Premier Development League to a multi-club MLS career reflects steady development, and his upcoming move to FC Cincinnati represents an exciting new opportunity for continued growth at the highest level of American soccer.
