Terry’s Journey: From Youth Soccer to Professional Aspirations

“For me,” Terry states, “I was born into it.”

Terry’s life has been steeped in soccer from an early age. With Argentine roots on his father’s side, he grew up immersed in a culture rich with Lionel Messi highlights. His father and grandfather played recreationally, providing Terry with a strong foundation for his soccer education from the very beginning. His father was his first coach, instilling the fundamentals that would guide him throughout his career.

On his mother’s side, which hails from Mexico, Terry found a different but equally significant connection to the sport. Although soccer was not as central to their lives as it was for his Argentine relatives, as Terry developed as a player, this connection grew stronger. Living just five minutes from the Mexican border, he frequently traveled to Mexico to compete, gaining early exposure to the intense competition that exists even at the youth level.

Home videos capture Terry at the age of two, playing with a soccer ball in his backyard. His passion for the sport ignited early and has only intensified over the years. As he honed his skills, he made a name for himself in his hometown of Chula Vista.

“When I was younger, I played as a No. 9 or a 10,” he recalls. “They allowed me the freedom to roam. I’d score often, and I was frequently invited to tournaments as a guest player. It became clear to me that they wanted me on their teams to increase their chances of winning.”

In 2021, at the age of 12, Terry received a pivotal invitation to join the LAFC academy, marking the beginning of his serious pursuit of a professional career.

Prior to joining LAFC, Terry transitioned to playing as a midfielder, a role that suited his desire to control the game and engage with competition at a higher level. “I think it was around age 11 or 12 when I became a midfielder,” he explains. “Initially, I played more defensively, but I gradually took on a more attacking role, becoming a game orchestrator.”

The transition to LAFC was challenging. Not only did he face heightened competition at one of MLS’s top clubs, but he and his family also navigated the demands of travel from San Diego County to Los Angeles.

“I wish more people recognized the sacrifices my family has made,” he expresses. “For about three years, my mom drove me from San Diego to L.A. for practices, which meant over two hours of travel each way. It’s crucial to acknowledge that my family has played a significant role in my progress.”

Those long drives ultimately paid off. In December 2024, Terry was awarded a Homegrown contract, becoming the eighth player to achieve this milestone in LAFC’s history. His journey has proven fruitful, as fellow Homegrown player Nathan Ordaz contributed significantly to the team last season, tallying ten goals.

“Jude is an exceptionally talented young player,” remarked LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington at the time. “He has demonstrated remarkable development with the Academy, LAFC2, and the U.S. Youth National Teams. He has certainly earned this opportunity, and we are eager to support his continued growth at the MLS level.”

Now at just 17 years old, Terry has yet to debut in an MLS match but has already made a name for himself on the international stage. He participated in a World Cup, showcasing his talent against top-tier players in his age group.

The U.S. U-17 team that competed in Qatar was one of the most skilled groups in recent history. Players like Sullivan and Mathis Albert are gaining attention, while Terry, along with Nimfasha Berchimas and Julian Hall, are recognized as promising Homegrown talents with bright futures ahead.

During the World Cup, Terry was a consistent presence, starting two of three group matches and contributing off the bench in another, helping the U.S. secure victories in their initial games. Their success led them to face Morocco, a team that has historically challenged U.S. youth squads.

On November 14 in Qatar, Morocco emerged victorious in a shootout against the U.S., following a 1-1 draw. Terry scored the goal that initially put the U.S. ahead.

“I knew when Mathis passed the ball to Cavan, I had to be in the box. As soon as he was about to strike the ball, I felt it coming to me,” Terry recalls. “When it went in, I just lost myself in the moment, celebrating wildly. Scoring is a memory you cherish. Players forever remember their first goals.”

The entire World Cup experience was unforgettable, illustrating the high level at which Terry and his teammates can compete, while also serving as a reminder of the ruthless nature of international soccer. Despite leading for a significant portion of the match, the U.S. allowed a late equalizer, demonstrating the thin margins that define success at this level.

Now, Terry aims to leverage that World Cup experience to transition from youth soccer to the senior ranks.

Describing his playing style, Terry mentions that it can be characterized as smooth, balancing flair with effortless execution. Over the years, he has explored various midfield roles. Although he stands 5-foot-9, he possesses a solid center of gravity and excels in ball control and passing. However, he considers his tactical intelligence to be his greatest strength.

“I see myself as tactically astute,” he states. “I pride myself on my ability to read the game, find space, and outsmart opponents. Technically, I can navigate around defenders and identify teammates in ways others may not. My goal is to combine effectively with my teammates and dictate play.”

Despite his burgeoning talent, Terry acknowledges that there are still areas of his game that require improvement as he strives for the next level.

While he has stood out in MLS Next Pro, the 17-year-old is eager for his MLS breakout. He has been included on LAFC’s bench for both MLS and CONCACAF Champions Cup matches but has yet to step onto the field in a senior game.

Securing a spot on LAFC’s roster is no simple task, especially given the club’s status as one of the best in MLS. With world-class players like Son Heung-min leading the way and seasoned midfielders like Timothy Tillman and Marky Delgado, breaking into this competitive environment presents its own challenges. As a new era begins under head coach Marc dos Santos, Terry understands the need to elevate his game on both ends of the field.

“I’m focusing on expanding my role beyond just being a No. 6 and contributing more offensively,” he articulates. “I know I have the capability to express myself in front of goal, as evidenced by my goal against Morocco, but I aim to do it more consistently—whether that be taking shots from distance or scoring.”

“On the defensive end, it’s about being tenacious and embracing the hard work that’s often overlooked, especially as an attacking player. Acknowledging and developing this aspect of my game is crucial, and I believe I’ve made significant strides.”

With Argentine roots, Terry holds a deep admiration for Messi, a player he idolized growing up, though he cites Javier Mascherano’s defensive prowess as an influence.

“Everyone loves Messi, but I found Mascherano fascinating to watch, especially for his relentless spirit while representing Argentina,” Terry reflects.

Mascherano, now the head coach of Inter Miami, isn’t the only Argentine Terry admires. He looks up to Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, modern midfielders known for their versatility and game-changing abilities, both World Cup winners who overcame challenges to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Terry also studies other global talents, including Jude Bellingham, Dominik Szoboszlai, and his favorite, Pedri.

“Pedri does so many things that I aspire to emulate, particularly his smooth skills with the ball,” Terry notes. “His play is elegant yet understated, which resonates with me.”

Terry’s World Cup experience felt like a continuation of his journey rather than a beginning. It strengthened bonds with teammates he’s grown close to over the years, creating lasting memories from their time together in Qatar.

“We’ve become like family,” he shares. “The camaraderie among us is palpable, whether we’re sharing laughs in the hotel or exploring the local culture together.”

These experiences define a tournament, fueling Terry’s desire for more high-stakes competition. While he doesn’t keep a formal list of goals, he is consciously pursuing significant milestones, particularly a senior World Cup appearance in the near future.

“I always have goals in mind, both short-term and long-term,” he admits. “Making the 2026 World Cup roster is a major ambition for me. If not 2026, then perhaps 2030. I find it motivating to set lofty goals.”

“Breaking into the first team, earning more playing time, and establishing myself as a starter are all significant objectives. I believe I have the capability to achieve these goals.”

Terry has already demonstrated glimpses of his potential, such as his goal against Morocco. As he embarks on his professional journey with LAFC this preseason, he is eager to build his resume further.

Still at just 17, Terry has experienced elite competition, high-pressure situations, and the thrill of scoring in significant matches. Now, he is ready to pursue even greater heights in his soccer career.