Australians Making Their Mark: Current Aussies in MLS, NWSL, and USL Championship (2025)
AI-generated image: Australian players across US leagues.
As 2025 draws to a close, Australian players are making their presence felt across America's top professional soccer leagues like never before. From Major League Soccer's elite competition to the rapidly growing National Women's Soccer League and the developmental pathways of USL Championship, Australians are carving out successful careers and proving that the pathway from Australia to American professional soccer is stronger than ever.
This comprehensive overview examines the current Australian contingent competing at the highest levels of American soccer, highlighting their contributions to clubs across the country and the growing influence of Australian talent in the North American soccer landscape.
Major League Soccer: A Growing Australian Presence
Major League Soccer has witnessed a significant influx of Australian talent in 2025, with ten players currently representing the green and gold across various clubs. This represents one of the largest Australian contingents in MLS history, demonstrating the league's growing appeal to top-tier Australian players.
AI-generated image: Australian men's midfielder in MLS.
Eastern Conference Representatives
Patrick Yazbek continues to be a cornerstone of Nashville SC's midfield operations. The dynamic midfielder has established himself as a reliable presence in the center of the park, contributing to Nashville's competitive positioning in the Eastern Conference. Yazbek's technical ability and work rate have made him a fan favorite at GEODIS Park.
Kye Rowles brings defensive solidity to D.C. United's backline. The experienced center-back has been crucial in organizing United's defense throughout the 2025 season, using his aerial ability and reading of the game to marshal the defensive unit effectively.
At New York City FC, Aiden O'Neill has adapted seamlessly to the demands of MLS soccer. The versatile midfielder's ability to break up play and distribute possession has proven invaluable to NYCFC's tactical system, making him an integral part of their squad rotation.
Jake Girdwood-Reich has been a valuable asset for St. Louis City SC, showcasing his versatility by operating effectively in both defensive and midfield roles. His adaptability has provided coach Bradley Carnell with tactical flexibility throughout the campaign.
Western Conference Standouts
Brad Smith brings Premier League experience to FC Cincinnati's defensive setup. The left-back's pace and crossing ability have added a new dimension to Cincinnati's attacking play down the flanks while maintaining defensive discipline.
Charlotte FC's Archie Goodwin represents one of the most exciting young Australian forwards in MLS. The striker's movement in the penalty area and finishing ability have provided Charlotte with a consistent goal threat throughout the season.
Vancouver Whitecaps' Giuseppe Bovalina has been a steady presence in the Whitecaps' defensive structure. The defender's composure under pressure and distribution from the back have been key elements in Vancouver's build-up play.
Real Salt Lake houses two Australian talents in Ariath Piol and Lachlan Brook. Piol's pace and directness as a forward provide RSL with attacking options, while Brook's creativity and technical skills in midfield have added flair to their possession-based approach.
Looking ahead to 2026, Lucas Herrington is set to join Colorado Rapids in January, further expanding the Australian presence in MLS and demonstrating the continued confidence American clubs have in Australian talent.
AI-generated image: Australian men's defender in MLS.
National Women's Soccer League: Matildas Making Their Mark
The National Women's Soccer League features four current Australian internationals, with several Matildas players bringing their world-class experience to America's premier women's professional league.
Portland Thorns' Australian Duo
Mackenzie Arnold has established herself as one of the NWSL's premier goalkeepers since joining Portland Thorns. The Matildas number one brings international experience and shot-stopping ability that has been crucial to Portland's defensive stability. Arnold's command of her penalty area and distribution have made her a fan favorite at Providence Park.
Kaitlyn Torpey provides defensive versatility for the Thorns, capable of operating across multiple positions in the backline. Her pace and defensive awareness have been valuable assets for Portland throughout the 2025 season, contributing to the club's competitive positioning in the league.
North Carolina Courage Connection
Cortnee Vine has been a standout performer for North Carolina Courage, bringing her pace and attacking instincts to bear on NWSL defenses. The forward's ability to stretch the game and create scoring opportunities has been instrumental in Courage's attacking play.
Charlotte McLean represents a unique case, spending the 2025 season on loan at Tampa Bay Sun FC from North Carolina Courage. This loan arrangement has provided McLean with valuable playing time in the USL Super League while maintaining her connection to one of the NWSL's most successful organizations.
AI-generated image: Australian women's goalkeeper in the NWSL.
USL Championship and Super League: Developing Pathways
The United Soccer League systems provide crucial development opportunities for Australian players, with representation across multiple levels of competition.
USL Championship Presence
Giordano Colli operates as a central midfielder in the USL Championship, representing part of what reports suggest is at least eight Australians currently competing in the men's second-tier professional league. This significant representation demonstrates the growing recognition of USL Championship as a viable pathway for Australian players seeking professional opportunities in American soccer.
Women's USL Super League
The newly established USL Super League has provided additional opportunities for Australian women's players to compete professionally in the United States.
Morgan Aquino has established herself as the starting goalkeeper for DC Power FC, bringing her shot-stopping abilities and organizational skills to the nation's capital. Her performances between the posts have been crucial to DC Power's inaugural season in the Super League.
As mentioned previously, Charlotte McLean has spent the season with Tampa Bay Sun FC on loan from North Carolina Courage, gaining valuable experience in the new women's professional league while maintaining her development pathway.
Sophie Harding signed with Fort Lauderdale United FC, though her debut has been delayed due to visa complications. Once resolved, Harding is expected to provide attacking options for Fort Lauderdale in the competitive Super League environment.
USL League One Representation
Sam Layton recently joined Richmond Kickers as a defensive anchor in USL League One. The defender's signing demonstrates the continued expansion of Australian representation across all levels of American professional soccer, with players finding opportunities to develop their careers in various competitive environments.
AI-generated image: Australian men's midfielder in the USL Championship.
The Broader Impact on Australian Soccer Development
The presence of these Australian players across MLS, NWSL, and USL competitions represents more than individual success stories. Their collective impact demonstrates the viability of American professional soccer as a destination for Australian talent seeking high-level competition and career development.
Professional Development Opportunities
For young Australian players, seeing compatriots succeed across these leagues provides tangible evidence of achievable pathways. The variety of positions, playing styles, and career stages represented by current Australian players shows that opportunities exist for different types of players at various points in their development.
International Recognition Benefits
Many of these players maintain their connection to Australian national team setups, with several Socceroos and Matildas regulars plying their trade in American leagues. This international exposure benefits both the individual players and the leagues they compete in, raising the profile of American soccer in Australia and vice versa.
AI-generated image: Australian players across US leagues.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Australian Talent in American Soccer
As 2025 concludes and we look toward 2026, the trajectory of Australian representation in American professional soccer appears strongly positive. The success of current players creates pathways and opportunities for the next generation of Australian talent to follow.
Expanding Opportunities
The growth of professional soccer in America, including the expansion of MLS, the establishment of USL Super League, and the continued development of USL Championship, creates more opportunities for international players, including Australians, to find professional homes.
Development Pathway Validation
The success of players like Arnold in the NWSL and Yazbek in MLS validates American professional soccer as a legitimate development pathway for Australian players, potentially encouraging more young Australians to consider American opportunities as part of their career planning.
For aspiring Australian soccer players considering their professional pathways, the current success of compatriots across American leagues demonstrates that with talent, dedication, and the right opportunities, American professional soccer can provide a platform for both individual development and team success.
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