Tom Barlow Bio
Tom Barlow (born July 8, 1995) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire FC. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall, he is recognized for his ability to operate as a target striker and his knack for important goals in league play and cup competitions. Throughout his career, Barlow has built a reputation as a dependable forward at both the United Soccer League and MLS levels.
Early Life and Background
Tom Barlow was born on July 8, 1995, in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in the same metropolitan area that has produced numerous American soccer talents. He attended Chaminade College Preparatory School, where he developed as a young player before transitioning to the collegiate game. St. Louis has long been considered a hotbed for youth soccer in the United States, and Barlow’s early environment gave him a strong foundation in the sport.
After high school, Barlow enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, where he played college soccer for four seasons. Across his time with the Badgers, he scored 23 goals in 78 matches, establishing himself as a consistent offensive contributor. His performances at Wisconsin drew attention from professional scouts and set the stage for his entry into the professional ranks.
Path to Professional Soccer
During his college years, Barlow gained valuable experience in the Premier Development League, a key stepping-stone competition for aspiring American professionals. He featured for Reading United AC in 2015, Des Moines Menace in 2016, and Chicago FC United in 2017, gaining exposure against older competition. While playing for Chicago FC United, Barlow scored his first goal in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 17, 2017, helping his side to a 3–1 upset victory over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
His college production and PDL experience positioned him as a draft prospect heading into his senior year. In January 2018, Barlow was selected in the second round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls organization, marking the start of his professional journey.
Tom Barlow Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Before entering the professional ranks, Barlow’s early career was defined by steady development across college and developmental league soccer. His four seasons at Wisconsin gave him a strong platform, and his time in the PDL sharpened his scoring instincts. He demonstrated the ability to produce goals in cup competitions, most notably in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup appearance for Chicago FC United.
By the end of his amateur career, Barlow had played for three PDL sides and established himself as one of the more consistent forwards in the developmental pipeline. His draft selection in 2018 confirmed his status as a professional prospect ready for the next level.
New York Red Bulls II Era (2018–2019)
Barlow signed his first professional contract with New York Red Bulls II, the club’s United Soccer League affiliate, on March 15, 2018. He wasted little time making an impact, scoring his first goal for the club in a 4–1 victory over Indy Eleven on May 27, 2018. Later that season, on August 25, 2018, he produced a memorable second-half hat-trick to help Red Bulls II recover from a 3–0 halftime deficit in a 4–4 draw with Charleston Battery. He capped his rookie year by scoring the lone goal in a 1–0 playoff victory over Charleston Battery on October 20, 2018.
In 2019, Barlow continued his scoring form for Red Bulls II, beginning the season with two goals in a 3–1 win over Swope Park Rangers on March 9, 2019. He added two more goals in a 4–3 victory over Bethlehem Steel on July 10, 2019, finishing the campaign with 11 goals in 16 league appearances for the USL Championship squad.
New York Red Bulls Era (2019–2023)
On May 8, 2019, Barlow was signed to a first-team contract with the New York Red Bulls, and just eleven days later, on May 19, 2019, he announced himself at the MLS level. He scored on his senior debut, netting the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Atlanta United, finishing past veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan despite his side playing with ten men. He closed his first MLS season with five goals in 14 appearances.
Barlow continued to deliver timely contributions in subsequent seasons. On September 27, 2020, he scored twice in a 4–1 win over the Montreal Impact. He opened the 2022 campaign with a goal in a 3–1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes, scored in a 3–1 U.S. Open Cup win over Charlotte FC on May 25, 2022, and netted the winner in a 4–3 triumph at Austin FC on July 24, 2022. In 2023, he recorded an injury-time equalizer against San Jose on April 8, scored the lone goal in a 1–0 win at Inter Miami on May 31, opened the scoring in a 3–0 victory over Toronto FC on October 7, and found the net again in a 5–2 win over Charlotte FC on October 25, helping the Red Bulls advance to the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Notable Events and Milestones
Barlow’s debut goal against Atlanta United in 2019 stands as one of the defining moments of his career, announced on the MLS stage in dramatic fashion. His hat-trick for Red Bulls II in 2018 and his contributions during the 2023 playoff push further cemented his reputation as a clutch performer for the organization.
Tom Barlow Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Tom Barlow was raised in St. Louis, Missouri, a city widely recognized for its deep soccer culture. Publicly available details about his parents and siblings are limited. His career path reflects the influence of his St. Louis upbringing and the strong youth soccer infrastructure of the region.
2025 Season Outlook
Heading into the 2025 MLS season, Tom Barlow continues his role as a forward for Chicago Fire FC after his move from the New York Red Bulls organization. He is expected to compete for minutes in the attacking line and provide depth as a target striker capable of contributing goals in both league and cup play. His track record of timely scoring, including debut goals and key playoff strikes, gives Chicago Fire FC a proven finisher in the squad.