Homegrown Hero: 17-Year-Old Jude Terry Claims Goal of the Matchday for LAFC

The future of Los Angeles FC has arrived in spectacular fashion, as 17-year-old homegrown midfielder Jude Terry has been officially awarded the AT&T Goal of the Matchday for Matchday 7. The young starlet captured 41.3% of the fan vote, beating out established veterans for the honor. Terry’s winning strike, a sensational first-time curling effort from roughly 25 yards out, occurred during LAFC's recent visit to the Portland Timbers. Though the goal came in a losing effort, it marked a historic milestone for a player widely regarded as the crown jewel of the club’s academy system.

Terry’s strike in the 49th minute was a masterclass in technique and composure. Receiving a crisp pass from fellow homegrown player Matt Evans, Terry didn't hesitate, unleashing a shot that dipped and swerved into the far upper corner, leaving the Portland keeper rooted to the spot. The goal was Terry’s first professional tally in just his first MLS start and second overall appearance for the senior team. Despite his age, Terry played with the maturity of a veteran, assuming significant offensive responsibilities as head coach Marc Dos Santos opted to rest stars like Son Heung-Min and Hugo Lloris for midweek continental play.

The rise of Jude Terry is no accident. Born in Chula Vista and of both Argentine and Mexican heritage, Terry joined the LAFC Academy at the age of twelve. He quickly ascended the ranks, captaining the United States U-15 national team to a Concacaf title before signing his professional homegrown contract in December 2024. He is the eighth homegrown player in LAFC history and represents the pinnacle of the club’s investment in youth development. His performance against Portland, characterized by high-level vision and a tireless work rate in the central midfield, suggests he is ready for a permanent role in the first-team rotation.

While the goal is the headline, the match also served as a reminder of the challenges facing LAFC’s youthful squad. The 2-1 loss to the Timbers ended the club's record-breaking shutout streak at 571 minutes, a defensive run that had defined the early part of their 2026 season. The absence of defensive leaders during the rotation was palpable, as a late stoppage-time goal from Portland's Kevin Kelsy handed the Black & Gold their first defeat of the campaign. However, the emergence of Terry and Evans provides a significant silver lining for Dos Santos as the club balances a busy schedule across MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup.

As LAFC prepares for their next slate of matches, the buzz surrounding Terry is only growing. With European scouts reportedly monitoring his progress and his stock rising within the U.S. Youth National Team setup, the "Terry Screamer" may just be the first of many highlights for the California native. For now, the 17-year-old can celebrate being the league's newest Goal of the Matchday winner, a fitting reward for a player who is quickly becoming a household name in Los Angeles.