Tomas Romero Bio
Tomás Líam Romero Keubler, known professionally as Tomás Romero, is an American-born professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper. Born on 19 December 2000 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, he currently represents New York City FC in Major League Soccer. Standing 188 centimeters tall, Romero has built his career through a steady climb across youth, collegiate, and professional ranks in North America. He represents the El Salvador national team internationally.
Early Life and Background
Tomás Líam Romero Keubler was born and raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, in the United States. He grew up in a soccer-oriented community and developed an early passion for the game. His youth career began with Real Jersey FC, where he honed his skills as a goalkeeper before attracting broader attention.
While in eighth grade, Romero joined the Philadelphia Union’s YSC Academy, a move that placed him inside a professional club’s development system at a young age. The academy environment gave him exposure to high-level training, structured coaching, and competitive matches. He balanced his academy commitments with his ongoing education in the New Jersey area.
Path to Soccer
Romero’s progression through the Philadelphia Union system accelerated quickly. On 10 September 2016, at just 15 years old, he was called up to the Union’s USL affiliate Bethlehem Steel FC to serve as the backup keeper for a match against the Charleston Battery. The experience offered him an early glimpse of professional matchday preparation.
In December 2017, Romero committed to Georgetown University to play for the men’s soccer team beginning in the 2019 season. He made his college debut on 2 September 2019 against the Temple Owls, recording his first victory and clean sheet. In November 2019, he was named the Big East Conference Goalkeeper of the Week, and later that December, he helped the Georgetown Hoyas win the national championship. Romero made the game-winning penalty shootout save to deliver Georgetown its first-ever men’s soccer national title. His 2020 college season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he instead trained with Philadelphia Union II during the fall of 2020.
Tomas Romero Career
Early Career (2017-2019)
Romero made his professional debut on 1 April 2017 for Bethlehem Steel FC at the age of 16, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to start a USL match. He faced the Rochester Rhinos in that milestone appearance, marking the beginning of his professional career in earnest. Over the next two seasons, he continued to develop as Bethlehem Steel’s primary keeper.
In July 2019, Romero was named USL Championship Player of the Week after recording a career-high 11 saves in a 1-0 win over Louisville City FC on 20 July 2019. That performance highlighted his shot-stopping ability and poise under pressure. His time at Bethlehem Steel concluded at the end of the 2019 season.
Los Angeles FC Era (2021-2022)
In January 2021, Romero joined Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC after the club acquired his homegrown player rights from the Philadelphia Union for $50,000 in general allocation money. He officially signed his first professional MLS contract with LAFC on 1 February 2021. The move reunited him with the top flight of American soccer.
Romero began the 2021 season on loan with LAFC’s USL Championship affiliate, the Las Vegas Lights FC, where he continued to gain valuable minutes. On 23 June 2021, he made his MLS debut with LAFC in a 2-0 win over FC Dallas, keeping a clean sheet in his first top-flight appearance. He returned to Las Vegas on loan for the 2022 season. Romero was part of LAFC’s 2022 MLS Cup winning squad, although he did not feature in any matches that year. After the 2022 season, LAFC declined his club option for 2023.
Toronto FC Era (2023)
In November 2022, at the 2022 MLS Re-Entry Draft, Toronto FC claimed Romero’s contract for the 2023 season. The move reunited him with Bob Bradley, who had been his head coach at LAFC in 2021. He was loaned to Toronto FC II for portions of the season, making his debut on 23 April 2023 against Philadelphia Union II.
Romero made his Toronto FC first-team debut on 8 July 2023 against St. Louis City SC. He appeared in multiple matches during the season as a backup option behind the club’s established starters. At the end of the 2023 campaign, Toronto FC declined his option for 2024, leaving him without a contract.
New York City FC Era (2024-Present)
In February 2024, Romero signed a one-year contract with New York City FC, beginning a new chapter in his MLS journey. The move provided him an opportunity to compete for minutes within the New York City FC goalkeeping group. He has since been integrated into the club’s first-team setup heading into the 2025 campaign.
Driving Style and Strengths
Romero is recognized for his shot-stopping instincts and composure under pressure, traits he showcased during his 11-save performance for Bethlehem Steel in 2019. His tall frame at 188 centimeters gives him a strong physical presence in the penalty area. He has demonstrated comfort in penalty shootout situations, most notably during Georgetown’s national championship run.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Romero’s defining moments came in December 2019, when he converted the decisive penalty shootout save to lead Georgetown to its first men’s soccer national title. He also became the youngest goalkeeper to start a USL match when he debuted for Bethlehem Steel in April 2017 at age 16. His MLS debut clean sheet with LAFC in June 2021 marked another milestone in his top-flight progression.
Tomas Romero Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Tomás Romero has accumulated notable wins at the youth, collegiate, USL, and MLS levels. His most significant team accomplishment came as part of LAFC’s 2022 MLS Cup winning squad, even though he did not appear in matches that season. He also contributed to Georgetown’s 2019 national championship with a decisive penalty shootout save.
Major League Soccer Highlights
Romero made his MLS debut on 23 June 2021 with LAFC, recording a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over FC Dallas. He was part of LAFC’s roster that lifted the 2022 MLS Cup trophy at the end of that campaign. After stints with Toronto FC in 2023, he joined New York City FC in February 2024.
Other Wins and Performances
In the USL Championship, Romero earned USL Championship Player of the Week honors in July 2019 after a standout 11-save performance against Louisville City FC. He also began his professional career with Bethlehem Steel FC, where he became the youngest goalkeeper to start a USL match in April 2017. With Georgetown University, he captured the 2019 NCAA Division I men’s soccer national championship.
Tomas Romero Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Romero holds dual sporting heritage, having been born in the United States while holding eligibility for El Salvador through family descent. His decision to represent the El Salvador senior national team followed an earlier period in which he considered playing for the United States. He was first called up to the El Salvador U17 team in August 2016.
Personal Life
Tomás Líam Romero Keubler was born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and continues to pursue his professional football career in Major League Soccer. He has been linked to several clubs across the United States since beginning his professional journey in 2017. His family background includes Salvadoran heritage, which shaped his international football path.
2025 Season Performance
Tomás Romero is expected to continue his role with New York City FC during the 2025 Major League Soccer season. After signing a one-year contract in February 2024, his future with the club beyond the 2024 campaign will depend on performance and contract negotiations. He will look to build on his MLS experience gained with LAFC, Toronto FC, and New York City FC.
Throughout the 2024 season, Romero has been part of New York City FC’s goalkeeping unit, contributing in training and competitive matches as opportunities arose. His international experience with the El Salvador national team, including his senior debut in December 2021, adds depth to his profile. The 2025 campaign represents an opportunity to secure a longer-term role within the squad.
Heading into 2025, Romero’s outlook depends on his ability to compete for first-team minutes at New York City FC and maintain his standing with the El Salvador national team setup. His track record at multiple MLS clubs and his championship experience at the collegiate level position him as a capable professional option. Continued strong performances could shape his next contract and career trajectory.