Experienced keeper brings championship pedigree and crucial depth to Harrison
HARRISON, N.J. – The Red Bulls have acquired goalkeeper John McCarthy from the Los Angeles Galaxy, the club announced Friday before the close of the MLS Secondary Transfer Window. New York sent a third-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft and up to $150,000 in General Allocation Money to complete the transaction, with the Galaxy retaining a portion of McCarthy’s salary budget charge.
Championship Experience Comes to Red Bulls
The 32-year-old Philadelphia native brings extensive MLS experience and championship credentials to the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper corps. McCarthy becomes the only goalkeeper in MLS history to win MLS Cup championships with both Los Angeles teams – capturing the 2022 title with LAFC and the 2024 crown with the Galaxy.
“John [McCarthy] will help add MLS experience to our goalkeeper core and be a great example for our younger goalkeepers,” said Red Bulls Head of Sport Jochen Schneider. “He has shown up in big moments throughout his whole career, and we are excited to add him to our organization.”
Stellar 2025 Season Performance
McCarthy’s 2025 campaign with the Galaxy showcased his elite capabilities across multiple competitions:
MLS Regular Season (11 appearances):
- 990 minutes played
- 6 clean sheets
- 11 goals conceded
- Key performances in Galaxy’s playoff push
CONCACAF Champions Cup (4 appearances):
- 360 minutes in knockout rounds
- Helped Galaxy reach the quarter-finals
- Clean sheets against CS Herediano in the Round of 16
His consistent performances throughout the season demonstrated the reliability that made him an attractive target for the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper needs.
Proven Track Record Against Red Bulls
McCarthy’s history with New York runs deep, dating back to memorable encounters during his Philadelphia Union tenure (2015-2018). Most notably, he thwarted the Red Bulls during the 2015 US Open Cup quarterfinals in a dramatic penalty shootout victory under then-Red Bulls manager Jesse Marsch.
The veteran goalkeeper’s most recent meeting with the Red Bulls came during the 2024 MLS Cup final, where his Galaxy defeated New York 2-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park to claim the championship.
Championship Pedigree Across MLS
McCarthy’s unique distinction as the only goalkeeper to win an MLS Cup with both LA teams highlights his clutch performances in crucial moments. His 2022 LAFC triumph came after replacing injured Maxime Crépeau during the final against Philadelphia Union, securing victory in a penalty shootout. The 2024 Galaxy championship added another chapter to his impressive postseason resume.
Early Career Foundation
Before his MLS success, McCarthy established himself in the USL Championship with Rochester Rhinos, earning both Rookie of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year honors in a standout debut season. He later played for Miami FC in 2020 before transitioning to his successful MLS career.
Strategic Roster Move
The acquisition addresses the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper depth following A.J. Marcucci’s ruptured ACL injury. McCarthy will serve as backup goalkeeper for the remainder of the 2025 season while Aiden Stokes continues his development with New York Red Bulls II.
The Red Bulls hold an option to extend McCarthy’s contract through early January 2026, providing flexibility for long-term planning at the goalkeeper position.
Looking Ahead
McCarthy’s arrival brings championship experience and veteran leadership to a Red Bulls squad seeking to build on recent success. His proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations and extensive MLS knowledge make him an ideal mentor for the organization’s developing goalkeepers.
The Red Bulls return to action this weekend as they continue their 2025 campaign with McCarthy available for selection as they push toward the MLS Cup playoffs.
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The New York Red Bulls have acquired goalkeeper John McCarthy from the Los Angeles Galaxy and returned a third-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft and up to $150,000 in General Allocation Money to the Galaxy. The Galaxy will also maintain a portion of McCarthy’s salary budget charge. The transaction was completed before the close of the MLS Secondary Transfer Window.
“John [McCarthy] will help add MLS experience to our goalkeeper core and be a great example for our younger goalkeepers,” said Head of Sport Jochen Schneider. “He has shown up in big moments throughout his whole career, and we are excited to add him to our organization.”
Many know of McCarthy when he was on the Philadelphia Union as the backup goalkeeper for Andre Blake, used during their US Open Cup runs, especially against New York when he thwarted them in the 2015 season during the Quarterfinals, as he stopped the club when Jesse Marsch managed it during a penalty kick shootout.
He is the only goalkeeper to win an MLS Cup Championship with both Los Angeles Teams, when he was with LAFC, defeating his former side in the Union during a penalty kick shootout after Maxim Crepeau suffered a broken leg during the final in 2022 at BMO Stadium. Then, in the 2024 season, he was a part of the LA Galaxy in the MLS Cup final last season, defeating the Red Bulls by a final score of two goals to one at Dignity Health Sports Park.
McCarthy, a Philadelphia native, started his career in the USL Championship with the former Rochester Raging Rhinos and won the USL Championship Rookie of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year for one season, then moved to Miami FC in 2020. Then played for the Union from 2015 through 2018.
This move is to keep Aiden Stokes at New York Red Bulls II and finish up the season, while McCarthy will be the backup keeper for the rest of this season, while A.J. Marcucci recovers from his Ruptured ACL injury in his left knee. If the Red Bulls do decide to keep him for next season, then they have until early January 2026 to decide if they want to extend him.
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