The New York Red Bulls have acquired goalkeeper John McCarthy via trade from the Los Angeles Galaxy, the club announced today. In return, New York will send a third-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft and up to $150,000 in General Allocation Money to the Galaxy. The Galaxy will also maintain a portion of McCarthy’s salary budget charge. The transaction was completed prior to the close of the MLS Secondary Transfer Window.
“John [McCarthy] will help add MLS experience to our goalkeeper core and be a great example for our younger goalkeepers,” said Head of Sport Jochen Schneider. “He has shown up in big moments throughout his whole career and we are excited to add him to our organization.”
McCarthy, 33, has played the last two seasons with the Galaxy, where he has made 53 appearances across all competitions and recorded nine shutouts. He won the 2024 Audi MLS Cup with the Galaxy. Prior to his time with the Galaxy, McCarthy spent two seasons with Los Angeles FC, where he made 41 appearances and tallied 15 shutouts. The goalkeeper earned the 2022 Audi MLS Cup Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after substituting on in the 117th minute and leading LAFC to win a penalty shootout against the Philadelphia Union and win 2022 Audi MLS Cup. He also won the 2022 Supporters Shield with LAFC.
The Philadelphia, PA native featured for Inter Miami CF for two seasons, including their inaugural season in 2020. McCarthy also played for the Philadelphia Union from 2015 to 2018. He made 21 appearances, and he also featured for Bethlehem Steel FC in the USL Championship at the time, he made 26 appearances for the club and kept 10 shutouts.
McCarthy is under contract through 2026.
McCarthy began his professional career with the Rochester Rhinos in the USL Championship, where he made 19 appearances and tallied 10 shutouts. He was named USL Rookie of the Year, USL Goalkeeper of the Year, and also earned USL All-League First Team honors in his only season with the Rhinos.
TRANSACTION: The New York Red Bulls acquire goalkeeper John McCarthy via trade from the Los Angeles Galaxy on August 22, 2025.
