MLS Draft Interview: Reid Roberts, San Jose Earthquakes

With the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, the San Jose Earthquakes selected Reid Roberts, a defender out of the the University of San Francisco.

Roberts became the highest picked Don in school history and the first to be chosen in the opening round of the draft in a decade. The junior center back spent three years as a stalwart in the back for San Fran, amassing 50 total appearances. Roberts won West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and made the WCC All-Conference First Team. The team finished 7-6-4 and had its best conference result since 2017.

"It’s an incredible honor to represent USF in this way," Roberts said of being the No. 5 selection "The program has been working hard under [head coach] Chris Brown to rebuild and being part of that journey has been special. To be the first Don drafted in the first round in a decade is a reflection not just of my efforts but of the entire team, coaching staff and support system here."

Overall, Roberts is the third first round pick in school history. The two before him were Rob Valentino (2008, New England Revolution), who has recently enjoyed two stints as the interim head coach of Atlanta United, and Miguel Aguilar (2015, DC United).

"It’s proof that USF is heading in the right direction and a testament to how talented the team has become," Roberts said. "I believe that within the next few years, many more players will be top draft picks from USF because of the talent, culture and staff leading the program."

The Earthquakes have undergone a massive revamp this offseason, with iconic American coach Bruce Arena at the forefront. Arena left New England with all kinds of uncertainty around his departure and the team hasn't been the same ever since. With him, Arena has brought a boatload of former Revs players and coaches. He hopes to start anew in the Bay Area and Roberts is one of the first young additions to his roster.

"My initial reaction was pure excitement and gratitude," Roberts said after being selected by Arena. "To have someone as legendary as Bruce Arena believe in me enough to trade up and select me at No. 5 is just unreal. Growing up, you hear about everything he’s accomplished in the game, so knowing he sees potential in me is incredibly motivating."

In previous years, the SuperDraft was streamed live, because obviously that's what a league would do for a draft, right? For whatever reason, MLS opted for a barely functional webpage to showcase the entire draft process this time around. This took away some of the appeal and some of the emotional meaning for the players themselves, as it was just utterly unorganized.

"The selection process this year was a little stressful because the draft tracker wasn’t updating very quickly and I had to check Twitter for updates," Roberts said. "When I received the call from Bruce, I had no idea they had traded up to the No. 5 pick. I can’t put into words the emotions I felt after he congratulated me on being selected. It’s a moment I’ll never forget, and I’m ready to prove that the faith he showed in me was well-placed."

The Fort Collins, Colo., native played for club team Real Colorado and was recruited by coach Brown there. Brown describes him as a natural leader and role model. The left-footed center back is comfortable on the ball and does not shy away from carrying the ball to drag defenders out. He has quick feet and possesses the ability to play splitting balls. Above all, he puts in full effort every shift.

"For the San Jose fans who have never seen me play, I would say my strongest aspects of my game are my work rate and my desire to win," Roberts said. "I always give 100% on the pitch, whether it’s chasing down a loose ball, making a tackle or setting up my teammates."

Roberts sees himself as the absolute team player, which is a prototype any MLS front office looks to get out of the draft. The draft has certainly become an underrated way to bring in talented and experienced players with little to no risk. Roberts is determined to show the 'Quakes and their fans what he has to offer.

"I love and thrive in high-pressure moments and take pride in doing whatever it takes to help the team succeed—even if it means playing out of position or being uncomfortable," Roberts said. "I’m looking forward to earning their trust and support and showing them my passion for the game."