Aidan O'Connor (soccer)

Aidan Charles O'Connor (born October 7, 2001) is an American soccer player who plays for Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls.

Early life
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, O'Connor played youth soccer with the West Michigan Fire.

O'Connor attended Forest Hills Northern High School, where he played for the boys soccer team, winning the state title in 2019 and named an All-American in 2018 and 2019. In 2019, he earned Michigan's Mr. Soccer honors, and was named the Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year in both 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

College career
In 2020, O'Connor began attending Western Michigan University, where he played for the men's soccer team. On August 26, 2021, he scored his first collegiate goal in a match against the Virginia Cavaliers. At the end of the 2021 season, he was named to the MAC All-Academic Team.

In 2022, he transferred to the University of Virginia to play for the men's soccer team for his junior season. On September 13, 2022, he scored his first goal for Virginia in a victory over the La Salle Explorers. After the 2022 season, he was named to the Virginia All-State Second Team and the All-ACC Academic Team. On October 31, 2023, he was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Week. At the end of the 2023 season, he was named to the Academic All-District Team and the ACC All-Academic Team.

Club career
At the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, O'Connor was selected in the first round (12th overall) by the New York Red Bulls. In January 2024, he signed a one-year contract with the club with options for 2025, 2026, and 2027. O'Connor was sent on loan to MLS Next Pro side New York Red Bulls II during the 2024 season. On March 17, 2024, O'Connor made his professional debut, appearing as a starter in a 2-0 victory for New York Red Bulls II over Columbus Crew 2. On June 1, 2024, O'Connor made his first team and Major League Soccer debut, in a 1-0 victory over Orlando City SC.