CJ Fodrey Bio
Calvin Jay “CJ” Fodrey (born February 10, 2004) is an American soccer player who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Austin FC. Standing at 188 cm, he combines physical presence with a sharp eye for goal, traits that have marked his rise from youth soccer in Southern California to the professional ranks. Fodrey first gained attention as a standout freshman at San Diego State University before being selected in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
CJ Fodrey Early Life and Background
Calvin Jay Fodrey was born on February 10, 2004, in San Jose, California. Although he was born in the Bay Area, Fodrey grew up in the San Diego region, where he developed his earliest connections to the game. The Southern California soccer scene gave him access to competitive youth environments from a young age.
As a teenager, Fodrey played for several local San Diego–based clubs, including Albion Pros Club, San Diego Surf, and San Diego Nomads. Each organization helped him refine the technical and tactical foundations that would later define his style as a forward. In 2019, his progress earned him a place in the youth setup of Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy, a significant step in any young American player’s development path.
CJ Fodrey Path to Professional Soccer
Fodrey’s route toward professional soccer accelerated late in 2020 when USL Championship club San Diego Loyal invited him to a tryout under assistant coach Nate Miller. He impressed during the trial and signed a USL academy contract with the club in December 2020. Fodrey scored his first goal for San Diego Loyal in a pre-season match against his former youth club, LA Galaxy, signaling his readiness for the senior level.
On May 22, 2021, Fodrey made his professional debut for San Diego Loyal against Louisville City, entering as an 81st-minute substitute in a 1–2 defeat. The appearance confirmed his transition from youth prospect to working professional. The following year, he chose to balance his club career with a college pathway, joining San Diego State University in the fall of 2022 to play for the Aztecs.
CJ Fodrey Career
San Diego State (2022)
In his freshman season at San Diego State University, Fodrey made 18 appearances for the Aztecs, scoring seven goals and tallying four assists. His production was remarkable for a first-year college player, and he was recognized with two major honors: All-Pac-12 First Team and Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2022. Those accolades established him as one of the top young college players in the country.
On December 19, 2022, Fodrey announced that he would leave college early, signing a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer and entering the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. The decision set the stage for the next phase of his professional career.
Austin FC (2023–Present)
On December 21, 2022, Fodrey was drafted 13th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Austin FC. Shortly after joining the organization, he made his first-team debut in a 3–1 loss to FC Juárez in the Leagues Cup, a memorable first appearance in an official Austin FC shirt. The club also confirmed plans to develop him with game time at the next level.
At the beginning of the 2023 season, Austin FC announced that Fodrey would be loaned to Austin FC II for their inaugural MLS NEXT Pro campaign. Playing primarily as a substitute on the left wing, he earned an assist and forced an own goal in the 2023 MLS Next Pro Cup final, helping Austin FC II defeat Columbus Crew 2 by a score of 3–1. Prior to the 2024 season, the club confirmed that Fodrey would again be loaned to the second team for another year of development.
Driving Style and Strengths
Fodrey operates primarily as a forward, with the versatility to feature on the left wing in a wider role. His 188 cm frame allows him to compete physically against senior defenders, while his movement and finishing touch translated well to the college and professional levels. The Generation Adidas contract that brought him into MLS reflects the league’s belief in his long-term upside.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the signature moments of Fodrey’s young career are his professional debut for San Diego Loyal on May 22, 2021, his 13th overall selection in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, his first-team debut for Austin FC in the Leagues Cup against FC Juárez, and his role in Austin FC II’s 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Cup title.
CJ Fodrey Career Wins
Across his first three years as a professional, Fodrey has collected competitive honors at the club and college level. His most significant trophy to date is the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Cup with Austin FC II, won against Columbus Crew 2.
MLS NEXT Pro Highlights
Fodrey joined Austin FC II for the club’s inaugural season and contributed directly to their championship run. Coming on as a substitute in the final, he delivered an assist and forced an own goal in a 3–1 victory over Columbus Crew 2, lifting the MLS NEXT Pro Cup in 2023.
Other Wins & Performances
At the college level, Fodrey’s standout freshman campaign at San Diego State University produced seven goals and four assists in 18 appearances, and was capped by All-Pac-12 First Team and Pac-12 Freshman of the Year recognition in 2022.
CJ Fodrey Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available information on Fodrey’s immediate family is limited. Details about his parents and any broader family connection to soccer have not been confirmed by reliable sources.
Personal Life
Fodrey is currently focused on the early stages of his professional soccer career. Information about a spouse, partner, or children has not been publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into 2025, Fodrey continues to be part of the Austin FC organization, with the club having previously announced that he would spend the 2024 season on loan at Austin FC II to accumulate senior minutes. His progression between the first team and the developmental side will be a key storyline to watch, particularly after his contribution to the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Cup triumph.
For Austin FC, the 2025 campaign offers an opportunity to integrate Fodrey more fully into the senior squad. Having already experienced the Leagues Cup environment with the first team and a title-winning run with Austin FC II, he enters the new year with valuable professional experience under his belt. Continued development of his finishing and link-up play will be central to his outlook.
From a broader perspective, Fodrey represents a growing wave of American forwards developed through a blend of youth academy, USL, and college soccer before reaching MLS. If he can translate his college production and early professional contributions into consistent first-team minutes, the 2025 season could mark an important step in his journey toward becoming a regular contributor for Austin FC.