Juan Agudelo
Agudelo playing for New York Red Bulls
Personal information
Full name Juan Sebastián Agudelo[1]
Date of birth (1992-11-23) November 23, 1992 (age 31)
Place of birth Manizales, Colombia
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Position(s) Striker
Team information
Current team
 San Antonio FC
Youth career
NJSA 04
2007 PASCO Jr. Stallions
2007–2010 New York Red Bulls
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2012 New York Red Bulls 33 (6)
2012–2013 Chivas USA 26 (5)
2013 New England Revolution 14 (7)
2014 Stoke City 0 (0)
2014 → FC Utrecht (loan) 14 (3)
2015–2019 New England Revolution 142 (28)
2020 Inter Miami CF 14 (3)
2021 Minnesota United FC 13 (0)
2022–2023 Birmingham Legion 62 (12)
2024– San Antonio FC 0 (0)
International career‡
2008–2009 United States U17 16 (12)
2010 United States U20 8 (2)
2012 United States U23 2 (2)
2010–2018 United States 28 (3)
Medal record
Representing  United States
Runner-up CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011
Winner CONCACAF Gold Cup 2017
Men's Soccer
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 16, 2023
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of January 28, 2018

Juan Sebastián Agudelo (born November 23, 1992) is a professional soccer player who plays as a striker for San Antonio FC. Born in Colombia, he represented the United States national team.

After moving from Colombia to New Jersey at an early age Agudelo began his career with the New York Red Bulls and made his Major League Soccer debut in October 2010. After scoring six goals in 2011 he was traded to Chivas USA in May 2012. Agudelo spent a year in California before he was traded to the New England Revolution in May 2013. He joined English side Stoke City in January 2014 but a failure to gain a UK work permit saw him loaned out to Dutch side FC Utrecht.

Internationally, Agudelo has represented the United States youth program at the Under-17, Under-20, and Under-23 levels. He made his debut for the senior national team against South Africa on November 17, 2010, scoring the only goal of the match.

Early life

Agudelo moved with his family from Colombia to the New York area at the age of seven.[2] He grew up and played soccer in Barnegat Township, New Jersey, before moving to Kinnelon, New Jersey to live with his godmother.[3] He attended St. Benedict's Preparatory School for one year, in 2007.

Club career

He's been impressive for a 17-year-old. He shows such power. He is something special. When you look at his technical skill, you can compare him with European forwards of the same age, in terms of individual skill.

–Red Bulls coach Hans Backe speaking about Juan Agudelo, March 17, 2010[4]

New York Red Bulls

Agudelo began his career with the New York Red Bull Academy a member of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and quickly established himself as one of the more skilled prospects at the club. In 2009, he was offered a chance to join the junior team but decided to accept a trial with Colombian side Millonarios in 2010. Although it was reported that he had signed with Millonarios, he returned to the United States to join Red Bulls during their pre-season. While with Millonarios, Agudelo played with the youth side, including a match against Independiente Santa Fe on January 17, which served as a tribute match to Brazilian great Pelé.[5]

On March 26, 2010, Agudelo officially joined the New York Red Bulls.[6] He made his professional debut on April 27, 2010, in a U.S. Open Cup game against Philadelphia Union.[7] Agudelo made his MLS debut against Real Salt Lake October 9, 2010, entering in the 85th minute in a match that ended in a scoreless draw. He scored his first professional goal on March 19, 2011, in the Red Bulls' 2011 MLS season opener, a 1–0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC.[8]

As directed by US National team manager Jürgen Klinsmann, that all off-season US MLS stars should train with European clubs, on November 16, 2011, Agudelo started a two-week training period with VfB Stuttgart.[9] On December 1, 2011, Agudelo started a similar two-week period at Liverpool.[10]

Chivas USA

Agudelo was traded to Chivas USA on May 17, 2012 in exchange for defender Heath Pearce, allocation money, and future considerations.[11] The latter was reported to be a portion of any transfer fee that Chivas USA receives from selling Agudelo. Following the 2012 Major League Soccer season, Agudelo was invited to train with Scottish club Celtic.[12] Following his training stint with Celtic, Agudelo joined West Ham United for a training stint also.[13] He scored four goals for Chivas in 2012 as they had a poor campaign finishing bottom of the Western Conference. Agudelo began the 2013 well scoring against FC Dallas and Chicago Fire before he was transferred to the New England Revolution on May 7, 2013.[14]

New England Revolution

Agudelo was traded to New England Revolution in exchange for allocation money on May 7, 2013.[15] Agudelo made his New England debut in a 2–0 win over Houston Dynamo and he was credited with their second goal which was originally given as an own goal.[16][17] He then scored against Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC before being ruled out for a month with a knee injury.[18][19][20] In August 2013 Agudelo began to attract interest from English Premier League side Stoke City.[21] Agudelo returned from injury on August 17, against Chicago Fire and scored a spectacular back-heel goal in a 2–0 victory.[22]

Stoke City

On August 9, 2013 it was announced that Agudelo had signed a pre-contract agreement with English club Stoke City and will join the Potters on January 1, 2014 once his contract with the New England Revolution has expired.[23][24] However the move fell through after he was denied a work permit.[25] Despite this Stoke completed the signing of Agudelo on January 21, 2014 and loaned him out to Dutch side FC Utrecht for the remainder of the 2013–14 season.[26][27] He scored his first goal for Utrecht on February 6, 2014 scoring against PEC Zwolle in a 2–1 defeat.[28] Stoke re-applied for a work permit for Agudelo in May 2014 but were again unsuccessful.[29] Following this Stoke mutually terminated his contract leaving him a free agent.[30]

Return to New England

On January 29, 2015 Agudelo re-signed with the New England Revolution after tweeting out "I am extremely happy to officially sign minutes ago and be back with the best teammates and coaching staff #NERevs".[31] On December 3, 2019, Agudelo was selected by Toronto FC in Stage Two of the 2019 MLS Re-Entry Draft,[32] however, they were not able to reach a contract agreement.

Inter Miami

After not reaching an agreement with Toronto FC, who had acquired Agudelo's rights, Agudelo joined expansion side Inter Miami CF.[33] Miami opted to decline his contract option following the 2020 season.[34]

Minnesota United

On March 2, 2021, Agudelo signed as a free agent with Minnesota United FC on a one-year deal.[35]

Birmingham Legion

On March 31, 2022, Agudelo signed with second-tier side Birmingham Legion who play in the USL Championship.[36]

San Antonio FC

Agudelo moved to USL Championship side San Antonio FC on December 21, 2023, ahead of their upcoming 2024 season.[37]

International career

Agudelo represented the United States at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.[38] In 2010, he also debuted for the United States Under-20 side. On January 23, 2010, he scored the equalizing goal for the United States Under-20 national team in a 1–1 draw with Brazil.[39] On November 11, 2010, Agudelo was called up to the United States senior national side for the first time as part of an 18-man roster for a match against South Africa on November 17 in Cape Town.[40] He made his debut for the team coming on against South Africa in the Nelson Mandela Challenge wearing the number 17 shirt. Agudelo scored the only goal of the game on a volley that went in off the underside of the crossbar. In doing so, he became the youngest player in national team history to score in a senior game.[41] On January 22. 2011, Agudelo drew the penalty that led to the U.S. only goal of the match in a 1–1 draw against Chile.[42] In an international friendly on March 26, 2011, he scored the equalizer in a 1–1 draw against Argentina.

Style of play

Most of his key traits involve a precise style of dribbling and ball control. This has often resulted in him being fouled easily and winning free-kicks.[43]

Personal life

On February 6, 2015 his first child was born, a daughter named Catalina Bella Agudelo.[44]

On January 18, 2019 he married his long-time girlfriend, Vanessa Agudelo Gomez. Now separated as of February 2023. Juan has one daughter: Catalina and one step-daughter: Alina.

Agudelo enjoys playing chess, hiking, and golf. Agudelo remains on a strict eating schedule and workout schedule. Off the field, Agudelo volunteers as a mentor for local non-profit organizations.

Career statistics

Club

As of match played October 23, 2022
Club Season League National cup Playoffs Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
New York Red Bulls 2010 MLS 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 7 0
2011 27 6 1 0 1 0 0 0 29 6
2012 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Total 32 6 3 0 3 0 0 0 38 6
Chivas USA 2012 MLS 21 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 23 4
2013 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 2
Total 27 5 2 1 0 0 0 0 29 6
New England Revolution 2013 MLS 14 4 2 0 2 1 0 0 18 5
Stoke City 2013–14 Premier League – – – – 0 0
FC Utrecht (loan) 2013–14 Eredivisie 14 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 3
New England Revolution 2015 MLS 32 7 1 0 1 1 0 0 34 8
2016 24 7 3 2 0 0 0 0 27 9
2017 28 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 8
2018 30 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 31 3
2019 28 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 31 4
Total 142 28 7 3 2 1 0 0 151 32
Inter Miami CF 2020 MLS 14 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 3
Minnesota United FC 2021 MLS 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0
Birmingham Legion 2022 USL Championship 28 7 2 0 1 0 0 0 31 7
Total 28 7 2 0 1 0 0 0 31 7
Career total 274 56 16 4 8 1 0 0 308 61

International

As of January 29, 2018
National team Year Apps Goals
United States
2010 1 1
2011 14 1
2012 1 0
2013 1 0
2014 1 0
2015 2 1
2016 1 0
2017 6 0
2018 1 0
Total 28 3

International goals

Score and result list United States goal tally first.
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1. November 17, 2010 Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa  South Africa 1–0 1–0 Friendly [1]
2. March 27, 2011 New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, United States  Argentina 1–1 1–1 [2]
3. April 16, 2015 Alamodome, San Antonio, United States  Mexico 2–0 2–0 [3]

Honors

United States

References

  1. ^ "Premier League Clubs submit Squad Lists" (PDF). Premier League. February 4, 2014. p. 31. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 8, 2016. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  2. ^ "Gold Cup 2011" [Gold Cup 2011: Juan Agudelo]. NJ.com. June 5, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  3. ^ Lewis, Brian. "Chatting with Red Bull prospect and U.S. Under-20 striker Juan Agudelo", New York Post, March 4, 2010. Accessed June 3, 2015. "The young striker _ who was raised in Barnegat, NJ but has been living with his godmother in somewhat-closer Kinnelon _ has been receptive to whatever advice Angel has been willing to give, hungry for a mentor that can help take him take his game to the next level."
  4. ^ Bell, Jack (March 17, 2010). "Red Bulls Coach Likes One Young Defender in Particular". The New York Times. Retrieved March 19, 2010.
  5. ^ "Juan Agudelo deciding between Red Bull and Millonarios; joins RBNY in Spain tomorrow". NY Post. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  6. ^ "Juan Agudelo: New York Red Bulls Striker Caps Dream USA Debut With Late Winner". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  7. ^ Kristian Dyer (April 28, 2010). "Chinn's brace leads Red Bulls over Union 2–1". MLSSoccer.com. Major League Soccer.
  8. ^ "Agudelo's first MLS goal is difference vs. Seattle". MLSSoccer.com. Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on March 22, 2011.
  9. ^ "Training guest from across the pond". vfb.de. VfB Stuttgart. November 16, 2011. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
  10. ^ "Sky Sports Scout – Juan Agudelo". Sky Sports. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  11. ^ "New York Acquires U.S. National Team Defender Heath Pearce". NYRB. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  12. ^ "Juan Agudelo on Celtic, living up to the hype and Maurice Edu's advice". STV. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  13. ^ Borg, Simon. "Agent: Chivas USA's Agudelo to train at West Ham this week". MLS. Archived from the original on January 7, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2013.
  14. ^ "New England Revolution acquire Juan Agudelo from Chivas USA in exchange for allocation money". MLS. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  15. ^ "Revolution acquire Agudelo via trade with Chivas USA". Soccer By Ives. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  16. ^ "Houston Dynamo 0, New England Revolution 2". MLS. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  17. ^ "Juan Agudelo figures he's made his best case for first New England Revolution start vs. Toronto". MLS. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  18. ^ "New England Revolution 2, Toronto FC 0". MLS. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  19. ^ "Vancouver Whitecaps 4, New England Revolution 3". MLS. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  20. ^ "New England Revolution set to do battle once again without injured Juan Agudelo". MLS. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  21. ^ "Stoke City in talks over Juan Agudelo move". BBC Sport. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  22. ^ "New England Revolution 2, Chicago Fire 0 MLS Match Recap". MLS. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  23. ^ "US Star Signs Pre-Contract". Stoke City F.C. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  24. ^ "Stoke City: Juan Agudelo signs pre-contract agreement". BBC Sport. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  25. ^ "Work Permit Appeal Unsuccessful". Stoke City F.C. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
  26. ^ "Stoke City's Juan Agudelo set to join FC Utrecht on loan". Sky Sports. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
  27. ^ "Agudelo Deal Complete". Stoke City F.C. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  28. ^ "Stoke City: Juan Agudelo nets first goal in Holland". Stoke Sentinel. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
  29. ^ "Juan Agudelo – Club Statement". Stoke City F.C. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  30. ^ "American Exports: Clubs from Dutch Eredivisie lining up for signature of USMNT forward Juan Agudelo". MLS. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  31. ^ AGUDELO [@JuanAgudelo] (January 29, 2015). "I am extremely happy to officially sign minutes ago and be back with the best teammates and coaching staff #NERevs" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  32. ^ "Toronto FC selects Juan Agudelo in MLS Re-Entry Draft". TorontoFC.ca. December 3, 2019. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  33. ^ Buffery, Steve (December 23, 2019). "Striker Juan Agudelo reportedly to sign with Inter Miami CF". Toronto Sun. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  34. ^ "Inter Miami CF Announces Roster Decisions Following Inaugural Season | Inter Miami CF".
  35. ^ "MNUFC Signs Juan Agudelo". Minnesota United FC. March 2, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  36. ^ "Legion FC Signs U.S. International Forward Juan Agudelo".
  37. ^ "San Antonio Fc Signs Juan Agudelo".
  38. ^ "FIFA Player Statistics: Juan Agudelo". FIFA.com. FIFA. Archived from the original on November 5, 2009. Retrieved March 19, 2010.
  39. ^ "U.S. U-20 MNT Draws Brazil in First International Match at Copa Chivas". USSoccer.com. United States Soccer Federation. January 25, 2010. Archived from the original on March 6, 2010. Retrieved March 19, 2010.
  40. ^ "Bradley Names 18-Man Roster to Face South Africa on Nov. 17 in Cape Town in 2010 Nelson Mandela Challenge". USSoccer.com. United States Soccer Federation. November 11, 2010. Archived from the original on October 3, 2012.
  41. ^ "Juan Agudelo scores as U.S. wins". ESPN.com. ESPN. November 17, 2010.
  42. ^ "U.S. Men's National Team Opens 2011 With 1–1 Draw Against Chile Behind First Career Goal from Teal Bunbury". USSoccer.com. United States Soccer Federation. January 22, 2011. Archived from the original on September 3, 2011.
  43. ^ "24 Under 24 List". MLS. Retrieved August 20, 2012.
  44. ^ "Juan Agudelo" [Facebook]. facebook.com. February 19, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  45. ^ "U.S. men's national team defeats Jamaica to win CONCACAF Gold Cup". USA Today. July 26, 2017. Retrieved July 5, 2023.

External links

San Antonio FC โ€“ current squad
United States squads
Categories