Preston Judd Bio
Preston Judd (born May 28, 1999) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes. A product of the Las Vegas Soccer Academy, he rose through the college ranks at California Baptist University and the University of Denver before being selected in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by LA Galaxy. He has since built a reputation as a goal-scoring forward at both the MLS and USL Championship levels.
Early Life and Background
Preston Judd was born on May 28, 1999, in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States. Growing up in a region that was steadily developing its youth soccer infrastructure, he joined the Las Vegas Soccer Academy, where he spent his formative years as a player. The academy provided him with organized competition and a clear pathway toward higher-level opportunities in the sport.
His time at the Las Vegas Soccer Academy shaped his understanding of the forward position and helped him gain exposure to collegiate scouts. Standing at 191 centimeters tall, Judd developed a physical presence that would later become one of his recognizable traits on the field. His early training in Las Vegas laid the foundation for a college career that would take him across the western United States.
Path to Soccer
In 2017, Judd enrolled at California Baptist University, where he played college soccer for the Lancers over two seasons. During that span, he made 39 appearances, scored 22 goals, and tallied 4 assists. His freshman year brought Academic All-PacWest honors, while his sophomore year was marked by a first-team All-WAC selection, a second-team All-Far West Region nod, and a place on the WAC All-Academic team in 2018.
Seeking a new challenge, Judd transferred to the University of Denver in 2019, where he played a single season for the Pioneers. He recorded 7 goals and 1 assist, and his performances were recognized with a place on the 2019 Summit League All-Newcomer Team. He was also named the 2019 Summit League Tournament MVP, a distinction that highlighted his impact in high-stakes collegiate matches.
Preston Judd Career
Early Career (2021)
On January 13, 2021, Preston Judd signed with USL Championship side Sporting Kansas City II. The opportunity came after he attended Kansas City’s 2020 College Invitational Combine, an event designed for players who had missed the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Just over a week later, on January 21, 2021, he was selected 35th overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by LA Galaxy.
On April 7, 2021, it was announced that Judd had signed with LA Galaxy II, the Galaxy’s USL Championship affiliate. Sporting Kansas City confirmed on April 16, 2021, that they had agreed to terminate his contract to allow him to join the club that had drafted him. Judd made his professional debut on April 30, 2021, starting in a 1–0 loss to Sacramento Republic, and he scored his first professional goal on May 5, 2021, netting a 90th-minute strike to complete a 5–0 win over Las Vegas Lights. On June 16, 2021, he registered his first career hat-trick, scoring all three LA Galaxy II goals in a 4–3 loss to Las Vegas Lights.
LA Galaxy Breakthrough (2022–2023)
On April 4, 2022, Judd was promoted to the LA Galaxy first-team roster, marking his transition to Major League Soccer. His move to the senior side reflected the strong form he had displayed with LA Galaxy II and offered him a platform to compete at the top tier of American soccer.
Across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Judd continued to develop within the LA Galaxy system, balancing appearances with the senior squad and the reserve side. His time in the organization allowed him to refine his finishing, movement, and pressing game against seasoned professionals. The experience prepared him for the next stage of his career in Northern California.
San Jose Earthquakes Era (2023–Present)
On December 14, 2023, Preston Judd joined the San Jose Earthquakes in a trade that sent $200,000 in future General Allocation Money to LA Galaxy. The move gave him a fresh start within MLS and an opportunity to establish himself as a regular contributor at the forward position.
Since arriving in San Jose, Judd has been integrated into the Earthquakes’ attacking rotation, providing a tall, physical target in the final third. His familiarity with the league, combined with the scoring instincts he showcased in the USL Championship, has positioned him as a useful piece of the club’s offensive plan.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most memorable moments of Preston Judd’s young career are his first professional goal against Las Vegas Lights and his first career hat-trick later in the same 2021 season, both of which signaled his finishing ability at the professional level. His selection in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, his promotion to the LA Galaxy first team, and his subsequent trade to the San Jose Earthquakes have each marked significant milestones in his progression through American soccer.
Preston Judd Career Wins
Preston Judd’s career wins include notable individual accolades at the collegiate level and a growing list of professional achievements in Major League Soccer and the USL Championship. His first professional victory as a goal-scorer came on May 5, 2021, when he found the net in a 5–0 LA Galaxy II win over Las Vegas Lights. He has continued to add to that foundation as a member of the San Jose Earthquakes.
Collegiate Highlights
Judd’s collegiate record features a first-team All-WAC selection, a second-team All-Far West Region honor, and a WAC All-Academic team distinction earned in 2018 at California Baptist University. After transferring to the University of Denver, he was named to the 2019 Summit League All-Newcomer Team and was selected as the 2019 Summit League Tournament MVP. These awards underscored his impact as a goal-scoring forward at the NCAA level.
Preston Judd Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Public information about Preston Judd’s family background remains limited. His development as a player is closely tied to the Las Vegas Soccer Academy, where he was shaped as a young forward before moving into the college and professional ranks.
Personal Life
Preston Judd resides in the United States and continues his professional career in Major League Soccer with the San Jose Earthquakes. Details about his personal relationships, marital status, and children have not been publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 Major League Soccer season, Preston Judd is part of the San Jose Earthquakes’ attacking group. His role within the squad is expected to build on the experience he gained during his time with LA Galaxy and his early contributions in San Jose, with the club looking to his physical profile and finishing ability to provide goals across the campaign.
Judd’s understanding of the league, gained through seasons with LA Galaxy II, the LA Galaxy first team, and the Earthquakes, gives him a strong foundation heading into the new year. Continued consistency in training and in front of goal could translate into a larger role within the starting eleven and increased production over the course of the season.
For the Earthquakes, the 2025 season represents an opportunity to integrate Judd more fully into the team’s offensive identity. With his track record of scoring at multiple levels of American soccer, his outlook for the year centers on translating those performances into a sustained impact at the MLS level.