Dave Romney Bio
David James Romney (born June 12, 1993) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes. Born and raised in Irvine, California, he has built his career across Major League Soccer and the United Soccer League, becoming known for his consistency, defensive reliability, and durability.
Standing 188 centimeters tall, Romney has appeared for several MLS clubs since turning professional in 2015. He is widely recognized as one of the most dependable defenders in the league, having played every minute of a full MLS regular season.
Early Life and Background
David James Romney was born on June 12, 1993, in Irvine, California. He grew up in the same Southern California city and developed an early interest in soccer through youth programs in the region. His path through the sport began in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, where he played for the Irvine Strikers, a well-known youth club based near his hometown.
Romney continued his development at the University of San Francisco, where he played for the men’s soccer team and represented the program at the collegiate level. During this period he also appeared for San Francisco City FC, an amateur club that gave him additional competitive experience before he turned professional. His combination of size, positional awareness, and composure helped him stand out among his peers in both the academy and college ranks.
Path to Professional Soccer
Romney’s transition into the professional ranks came through the LA Galaxy II, the reserve team of the LA Galaxy. He made his United Soccer League debut against Sacramento Republic FC in March 2015, marking the start of his senior career. Just months later, on August 5, 2015, he became the first LA Galaxy II player to sign a Major League Soccer contract when he was promoted to the LA Galaxy first team.
This milestone highlighted his rapid rise from youth soccer to the top flight of American professional soccer. His performance in the reserve side had clearly impressed the Galaxy staff, and his promotion set a precedent for other LA Galaxy II players hoping to follow the same path into MLS.
Dave Romney Career
Early Career (2015–2016)
Dave Romney began his MLS career with the LA Galaxy after being signed on August 5, 2015. His first appearances came as he adjusted to the pace and physical demands of top-flight American soccer. Working alongside experienced defenders, he gradually earned a more regular role within the Galaxy squad.
His early years in Los Angeles allowed him to learn the rhythms of an MLS season while contributing to a club with one of the most decorated histories in the league. The experience laid the foundation for the more prominent roles he would assume later in his career.
LA Galaxy Tenure (2015–2019)
Romney spent his first several MLS seasons with the LA Galaxy, where he developed into a steady center back option. He appeared regularly across multiple campaigns and was part of a defensive group that featured several veteran players. His aerial ability and reading of the game became defining traits during this period.
At the beginning of the 2019 season, Romney was re-signed by the LA Galaxy, signaling the club’s continued confidence in his abilities. However, his time with the Galaxy concluded later that year when the franchise prepared for a significant roster change.
Nashville SC Era (2020–2022)
On November 12, 2019, Dave Romney was traded to Nashville SC ahead of the club’s inaugural Major League Soccer season. The LA Galaxy received $225,000 in General Allocation Money as part of the deal, with the potential for an additional $50,000 if Romney met certain performance-based metrics. The trade gave him the opportunity to help establish a brand-new franchise.
Romney became a key figure in Nashville SC’s early years, offering leadership and defensive stability during the club’s formative seasons in MLS. His experience from the Galaxy helped guide a roster filled with expansion-era players adjusting to the top flight.
New England Revolution Era (2023–2024)
On January 5, 2023, Romney was traded to the New England Revolution in exchange for a total of $525,000 in General Allocation Money. He quickly became an important part of the Revolution back line and scored his first MLS goal on September 30, 2023, in a 2–1 victory over Charlotte FC.
On October 21, 2023, Dave Romney became only the second player in New England Revolution history to play every minute of a 34-game season, following José Gonçalves. He was also the only outfield player in MLS to play every minute of the 2023 regular season. He was named Revolution team defender of the year for the 2023 season and again for the 2024 season, underscoring his importance to the club.
San Jose Earthquakes Era (2024–Present)
On December 2, 2024, Dave Romney was traded to the San Jose Earthquakes along with teammates Mark-Anthony Kaye and Ian Harkes. The deal sent approximately $500,000 in General Allocation Money and an international roster spot to the New England Revolution. The move reunited Romney with Bruce Arena, his former manager with both the LA Galaxy and the New England Revolution.
The trade marked a return to California for the Irvine native and positioned him as a veteran presence in the Earthquakes squad. His familiarity with Arena’s tactical approach was expected to help him transition smoothly into his new club.
Defensive Style and Strengths
Dave Romney is known for his aerial presence, positional discipline, and calm distribution from the back. His 188-centimeter frame allows him to compete effectively in duels and set-piece situations, while his consistent availability has made him a coach’s favorite across multiple clubs. His partnership with various back-line configurations has highlighted his adaptability and tactical intelligence.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Romney’s most notable achievements is his status as the first LA Galaxy II player to sign an MLS contract in 2015. He also made MLS history during the 2023 season by becoming the only outfield player to play every minute of the regular season. His consecutive Defender of the Year awards with the New England Revolution further cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable center backs.
Dave Romney Personal Life
Family Background
Dave Romney is a distant relative of Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican Party presidential candidate who also served as governor of Massachusetts and as a United States Senator from Utah. Despite sharing the same family name, the two have followed very different paths in public life.
Personal Life
Romney was raised in Irvine, California, and has continued to keep much of his personal life private. His professional soccer career has taken him across multiple cities, including Los Angeles, Nashville, Foxborough, and now San Jose.
2025 Season Outlook
The 2025 Major League Soccer season marks Dave Romney’s first full year with the San Jose Earthquakes following his December 2024 trade. Reunited with Bruce Arena, he is expected to play a central role in shaping the club’s defensive identity. His experience and leadership are likely to be valuable assets as the Earthquakes look to build momentum in a competitive Western Conference.
Coming off back-to-back Defender of the Year honors with the New England Revolution, Romney enters the new campaign with significant credibility. His durability, demonstrated by playing every minute of the 2023 MLS regular season, suggests he will remain a fixture in the Earthquakes starting lineup throughout the year.
For the Earthquakes, the 2025 season represents an opportunity to leverage Romney’s consistency and Arena’s familiarity with his game. If he maintains his form, Romney could soon climb further up the all-time lists for appearances among American defenders in MLS.