Tomas Romero Bio
Tomas Romero (full name Tomás Líam Romero Keubler) is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for New York City FC in Major League Soccer. Born in the United States, he represents the El Salvador national team at the senior international level. Standing 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) tall, he has built his career through Major League Soccer, the United Soccer League, and U.S. college soccer.
Early Life and Background
Tomás Líam Romero Keubler was born on 19 December 2000 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, in the United States. He grew up in the New Jersey youth soccer scene and developed his early goalkeeping skills with Real Jersey FC, a regional youth club. His play in those developmental years caught the attention of professional academies in the Philadelphia area.
As a teenager, Romero joined the Philadelphia Union’s YSC Academy while he was in eighth grade, becoming part of one of Major League Soccer’s first club-affiliated youth programs. The move gave him daily professional-level training and prepared him for a rapid rise through the youth ranks. His strong shot-stopping and composure beyond his years helped him earn early opportunities with the Union’s affiliated senior side.
Path to Soccer
Romero’s path to professional soccer began in the Philadelphia Union development system, where he trained alongside senior-team players while still in his mid-teens. In December 2017, he committed to Georgetown University to play for the men’s soccer team beginning in the 2019 season, balancing his club pathway with a top collegiate program. The decision allowed him to refine his technique against some of the best young players in U.S. college soccer.
At Georgetown, Romero debuted on 2 September 2019 against the Temple Owls, earning a victory and a clean sheet in his first appearance. In November 2019, he was named the Big East Conference Goalkeeper of the Week, and later that December he helped the Hoyas win the NCAA men’s soccer national championship, making the game-winning save in a penalty shootout to secure Georgetown’s first-ever title in the sport. The COVID-19 pandemic then cancelled his 2020 college season, redirecting his focus back toward the professional game.
Tomas Romero Career
Early Career (2016–2020)
Romero was called up to the Philadelphia Union’s United Soccer League affiliate, Bethlehem Steel FC, on 10 September 2016, serving as a backup goalkeeper against the Charleston Battery. On 1 April 2017, at age 16, he made his professional debut against the Rochester Rhinos and became the youngest goalkeeper to start a USL match. He split the next two seasons between Bethlehem Steel and the Georgetown Hoyas, developing his game at both the professional and collegiate levels.
In July 2019, Romero was named USL Championship Player of the Week after recording a career-high 11 saves in a 1–0 win over Louisville City FC on 20 July 2019. Following the cancellation of his 2020 college season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to the Philadelphia Union organization, training with Philadelphia Union II during the fall of 2020. These experiences positioned him for his first full Major League Soccer contract.
Los Angeles FC Era (2021–2022)
In January 2021, Romero joined Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC after the club acquired his homegrown player rights from the Philadelphia Union for $50,000 in general allocation money. He officially signed his first professional contract with LAFC on 1 February 2021. The club immediately loaned him to its United Soccer League Championship affiliate, the Las Vegas Lights, where he accumulated regular senior minutes during the 2021 campaign.
On 23 June 2021, Romero made his MLS debut for LAFC in a 2–0 win over FC Dallas, keeping a clean sheet in the process. He returned to the Las Vegas Lights on loan for the 2022 season to continue his development. Although he did not feature in matches that year, Romero was part of LAFC’s 2022 MLS Cup-winning squad, earning a championship medal as a member of the roster. LAFC declined his contract option following the 2022 season, opening the door to a new chapter.
Toronto FC Era (2023)
In November 2022, Toronto FC selected Romero in the 2022 MLS Re-Entry Draft, reuniting him with head coach Bob Bradley, who had managed him at LAFC in 2021. Toronto loaned him to its developmental side, Toronto FC II, where he made his debut on 23 April 2023 against Philadelphia Union II. He earned his first-team debut on 8 July 2023 against St. Louis City SC. At the end of the 2023 season, the club declined his option for 2024.
New York City FC Era (2024–Present)
In February 2024, Romero signed a one-year contract with New York City FC, beginning his current chapter in Major League Soccer. He joined a competitive goalkeeping group at the club and worked to establish himself as a reliable option between the posts. His prior experience in MLS with LAFC and Toronto helped him adapt quickly to the demands of the New York City FC system.
Driving Style and Strengths
Romero is a tall, athletic goalkeeper at 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in), with strong shot-stopping reflexes and the ability to make high-volume saves, as demonstrated by his career-high 11-save performance for Bethlehem Steel in 2019. He is comfortable operating as a sweeper-keeper when needed and has built a reputation for performing in high-pressure moments, including a penalty shootout save to win a national championship with Georgetown.
Notable Events and Milestones
Romero’s most notable milestones include becoming the youngest goalkeeper to start a USL match in 2017, winning the 2019 NCAA men’s soccer national championship with Georgetown, making his MLS debut in 2021, and being part of LAFC’s 2022 MLS Cup-winning squad. He also debuted for the El Salvador senior national team in December 2021, marking his arrival on the international stage.
Tomas Romero Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Romero’s immediate family is limited. He holds dual sporting nationality ties, being born in the United States and representing El Salvador through descent. His full name, Tomás Líam Romero Keubler, reflects his bicultural heritage.
Personal Life
Romero has not publicly disclosed details of a spouse or children, and he keeps much of his personal life private. He primarily focuses on his professional football career, balancing his Major League Soccer commitments with his role as an El Salvador international.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Tomas Romero is part of the New York City FC goalkeeping group, where he continues to compete for minutes in Major League Soccer. His prior MLS experience with Los Angeles FC and Toronto FC, combined with his 2024 arrival in New York, gives him familiarity with the league’s pace and style. With his contract year behind him, he is expected to push for a larger role in the squad’s rotation.
The 2025 campaign represents an opportunity for Romero to cement himself as a consistent contributor for New York City FC. His strengths in shot-stopping and composure under pressure align with the demands of the club’s defensive system. Strong performances could also strengthen his standing with the El Salvador national team setup.
Internationally, Romero remains part of the El Salvador senior team picture, having debuted in 2021. Continued club form at New York City FC would support his case for inclusion in upcoming World Cup qualifying matches and regional competitions. His trajectory points toward a season focused on establishing long-term stability at both club and country level.