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David Ochoa
David Ochoa
David Ochoa
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David Ochoa (born January 16, 2001) is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper. Born in the United States.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Born in Oxnard, California to Mexican parents,[3][4] Ochoa was introduced to the sport at a young age by his father, who also played as a goalkeeper.[5] He played youth soccer with AC Brea, gaining national attention at the 2015 Dallas Cup youth tournament, where he helped his team win the U14 tournament.[5] He drew attention from Mexican clubs Guadalajara and Monterrey and American clubs LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake.[5]

In April 2015, he earned his first US youth team call-up to play for the United States U14 team.[5] He joined the Guadalajara youth academy, but was unable to play in competitive matches due to Mexican regulations requiring his parents to be present since he was a minor.[5] During his time in Mexico, Ochoa also trained with the Mexico U16 team.[5] Afterwards, he returned to the US, joining the Real Salt Lake Academy.[5]

Club career

[edit]

Ochoa appeared for USL side Real Monarchs on 22 April 2018, in a 2–0 loss to Tampa Bay Rowdies, becoming the second-youngest goalkeeper ever to debut in USL.[6]

On 8 August 2018, it was reported that Ochoa was training with Manchester United and had further trials planned with clubs from Spain and Germany.[7]

Ochoa signed with Real Salt Lake on 28 November 2018, ahead of the 2019 season.[8] Ochoa was loaned to the Real Monarchs for his first season[9] and won the USL Championship, defeating Louisville City FC on 17 November 2019, in Louisville, Kentucky.[10] In 2019, he played in the MLS Homegrown game at the 2019 MLS All-Star Game.[9]

Ochoa made his Real Salt Lake debut on 8 November 2020, against Sporting Kansas City.[11]

Ochoa was fined for kicking the ball into the stands during an 24 April 2021 match against Minnesota United FC.[12][13] He recorded his first Major League Soccer shutout on 15 May 2021, against Nashville SC.[14]

On 13 September 2024, Ochoa signed with Los Angeles FC from their reserve team.[15] However, a season later Ochoa's contract option was declined.[16]

International career

[edit]

United States

[edit]

Ochoa was eligible to play for the United States or Mexico. Originally called up to the Mexico under-16s,[5] Ochoa instead opted to play for the United States at multiple youth levels.

Ochoa has been capped at under-16, 18, and 20 levels for the U.S. and has also been a member of the under-17 residency program.[17] On 25 August 2018, Ochoa made multiple penalty saves in the final of the 2018 Vaclav Jezek Tournament in helping the U.S. under-18s to winning the tournament.[18]

On 1 December 2020, Ochoa was called up to the United States senior team by head coach Gregg Berhalter for the friendly against El Salvador on 9 December, but was replaced by San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski after Ochoa was diagnosed with a right quad strain.[19]

Ochoa was named to the final 20-player United States under-23 roster for the 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship in March 2021.[20] Ochoa started three games for the under-23 team during Olympic qualification. The United States failed to qualify for the 2020 Olympics after losing 2–1 to Honduras; Honduras scored their second goal after Ochoa played an errant pass that ricocheted off Luis Palma and into the United States goal.[21]

On 24 May 2021, Ochoa was named to the United States' roster for the 2021 CONCACAF Nations League Finals.[22]

Mexico

[edit]

On 2 August 2021, Fox Sports reported that Ochoa had submitted and filed a one-time switch with FIFA in order to make a full move to the Mexico national football team.[23][24]

On 9 October 2021, Ochoa made his Mexico U21 debut in a friendly match against the Romania U21 side.[25][26]

On 21 April 2022, Ochoa received his first call-up to the senior national team by manager Gerardo Martino for a friendly match against Guatemala.[27]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of 29 July 2025[28]
Club Season League National cup Continental Playoffs Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Real Monarchs 2018 United Soccer League 1 0 — — — — 1 0
2019 USL Championship 16 0 — — 4[a] 0 — 20 0
2020 USL Championship 5 0 — — — — 5 0
Total 22 0 — — 4 0 — 26 0
Real Salt Lake 2020 Major League Soccer 1 0 — — — — 1 0
2021 Major League Soccer 25 0 — — 3[b] 0 — 28 0
2022 Major League Soccer — 1 0 — — — 1 0
Total 26 0 1 0 — 3 0 — 30 0
Real Monarchs (loan) 2022 MLS Next Pro 2 0 — — — — 2 0
D.C. United 2022 Major League Soccer 9 0 — — — — 9 0
Atlético San Luis 2022–23 Liga MX 1 0 — — — — 1 0
Los Angeles FC 2 2024 MLS Next Pro 20 0 — — 1[c] 0 — 21 0
Los Angeles FC 2024 Major League Soccer 0 0 0 0 — — — 0 0
2025 Major League Soccer 1 0 — 0 0 0 0 1[d] 0 2 0
Total 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
Los Angeles FC 2 (loan) 2025 MLS Next Pro 1 0 — — — — 1 0
Career total 82 0 1 0 0 0 8 0 1 0 92 0
  1. ^ Appearances in USL Championship Playoffs
  2. ^ Appearances in MLS Cup Playoffs
  3. ^ Appearance in MLS Next Pro Playoffs
  4. ^ Appearance in Leagues Cup

Honours

[edit]

Real Monarchs

United States U20

United States

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

David Ochoa

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
David Ochoa (born January 16, 2001) is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for club . Born in , to Mexican parents, he holds dual nationality and stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall. Ochoa began his professional career with Real Salt Lake, signing a homegrown contract on November 28, 2018, at age 17. He spent his first season on loan with Real Monarchs in the USL Championship, making 20 starts in 2019 with a 71.9% save percentage, four clean sheets, and a key role in their playoff run. Ochoa made his MLS debut with Real Salt Lake in 2020, appearing in one match and recording four saves. In 2021, he became the team's primary starter, playing 25 matches with five clean sheets and 83 saves, including a penalty save against LAFC's Carlos Vela and a crucial stop in a playoff shootout victory over Seattle Sounders FC. In July 2022, acquired Ochoa from in exchange for $75,000 in general , where he occupied a homegrown roster slot and made his debut on August 17, 2022. Following the 2022 season, Ochoa signed with club ahead of the 2023 Clausura tournament but was released in May 2023 due to disciplinary issues. After a period with LAFC2 in , he joined FC's first team on September 13, 2024, signing a one-year contract with his option exercised for 2025. Initially representing the at youth levels, Ochoa earned six caps across U-16, U-18, and U-20 teams, including three appearances at the and helping the U-20s qualify for the tournament by winning the 2018 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. He was called up to the USMNT senior team in December 2020 but did not play due to injury. In August 2021, Ochoa announced his decision to switch allegiance to , citing his heritage, and filed a one-time change of association. He made his Mexico U21 debut on October 9, 2021, in a friendly against and has received multiple senior call-ups, including for the training camp, a 2022 friendly, and the , though he has yet to earn a senior cap.

Early life

Family background and upbringing

David Ochoa was born on January 16, 2001, in , to Mexican immigrant parents. His father, who had immigrated from and worked in construction, and his mother raised him in a household deeply rooted in Mexican traditions, where Spanish was the primary language spoken at home. The family emphasized their , with daily life including Mexican meals, movies, and celebrations like birthdays sung in Spanish, fostering a strong sense of identity tied to their origins. Ochoa's early childhood unfolded in a vibrant Latin neighborhood in Oxnard, often described as feeling more like than the due to the pervasive cultural immersion. Church sermons, social gatherings, and interactions with friends who spoke reinforced this bilingual and bicultural environment, blending American surroundings with Mexican family values. At around age 12, Ochoa accompanied his father to construction sites, gaining firsthand exposure to the physical demands and economic challenges faced by many immigrant families in the area. This upbringing instilled a profound appreciation for his dual heritage, with family loyalty to Mexican soccer club Chivas shaping early aspirations and ties. The emphasis on resilience and pride from his parents provided a foundational support system amid the modest living conditions of their Oxnard home.

Introduction to soccer and youth development

David Ochoa discovered his passion for soccer during his early youth years, beginning to play organized matches in local leagues around , including time with Oxnard PAL. Influenced by his father, a former Sunday league , Ochoa started training as a goalkeeper at age 4 and progressed through local club teams, such as AC Brea in Fullerton, where he honed his skills in competitive youth environments. His family's strong support for his pursuits, rooted in their Mexican heritage and love for the sport, encouraged his dedication despite the demands of travel and training. A pivotal moment came in 2015 at the Dallas Cup, where Ochoa, then 14, played for AC Brea's U14 team and helped secure the Boys U14 championship, drawing attention from scouts across academies and clubs. His standout performances, including key saves that contributed to the tournament victory, marked him as a promising talent and opened doors to advanced opportunities. This exposure highlighted his potential in high-stakes youth competitions, setting the stage for international interest. In 2016, Ochoa traveled to Guadalajara for a training stint with the Chivas academy, Club Deportivo Guadalajara's youth system, where he immersed himself in professional-level drills for several months despite regulatory limits on competitive play for minors. During this period, he also participated in setup camps with the U16 national team framework, gaining exposure to elite coaching and tactical development tailored to international standards. These experiences abroad refined his technical abilities and adaptability, bridging his local roots with global aspirations. Returning to the later that year, Ochoa joined the Academy in 2016, entering their residential program in . He quickly progressed through the age groups, featuring prominently with the U17 squad in 2017 before advancing to the U19 level, where he appeared in multiple Development Academy matches and demonstrated leadership in goal. By 2018, his consistent excellence across these levels led to a Homegrown Player contract with , capping a rapid rise from regional leagues to professional pathways.

Club career

Real Salt Lake system (2018–2022)

Ochoa made his professional debut with on April 21, 2018, starting in a 2–0 loss to the and becoming one of the youngest goalkeepers to appear in the league at age 17. He signed a homegrown contract with on November 28, 2018, after progressing through the club's academy. This deal positioned him within the Real Salt Lake system, which includes the first team and its affiliate, . Over the next few seasons, he established himself as a key player for the reserve side, accumulating 22 appearances by the end of 2020. In 2019, Ochoa started all 20 of his appearances, recording 69 saves and four clean sheets while contributing to ' title win, where he played in the playoffs including the final. Ochoa earned his first call-up to the first team in 2020, making his MLS debut on November 8 in a 2–0 loss to , where he recorded four saves. He became the primary starter in 2021, appearing in 25 matches and securing his first MLS on May 15 in a 0–0 draw against , making him the fourth-youngest goalkeeper to achieve this milestone in league history at 20 years and 119 days old. That season, Ochoa posted a 71.9% save percentage with 83 saves and five clean sheets, helping reach the Western Conference final. By the end of 2022, Ochoa had made 30 total appearances for the Real Salt Lake first team across all competitions, solidifying his role as a promising homegrown talent before his departure from the organization.

D.C. United (2022)

On July 29, 2022, D.C. United acquired goalkeeper David Ochoa from Real Salt Lake in exchange for $75,000 in 2023 general allocation money, with potential additional incentives including up to $300,000 more if Ochoa were transferred outside Major League Soccer that year and 25% of any future transfer fee from D.C. United. This trade brought Ochoa, who had prior MLS experience as a homegrown player with Real Salt Lake, to the Eastern Conference side midway through the season to bolster their goalkeeping options. Ochoa quickly became D.C. United's primary starter, making 9 appearances and starting all 9 matches for a total of 810 minutes in the 2022 MLS regular season. He recorded 32 saves with a 65.3% save percentage while conceding 17 goals and securing 2 clean sheets, including a scoreless draw against his former club on August 27, where he made 7 saves. A highlight came on October 1 against , when Ochoa saved a penalty kick from Torres in the 80th minute, finishing the match with 3 saves despite a 1-0 loss. Ochoa's stint coincided with significant challenges for both the team and himself. D.C. United endured a dismal season, finishing with the league's worst record at 7 wins, 6 draws, and 21 losses for 27 points, missing the and highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that saw the team concede 64 goals overall. Personally, Ochoa described initial nervousness and shakiness in adapting to a new coaching system under and the pressures of a high-stakes debut against LAFC, though he expressed optimism about continued growth with the club. At the end of the 2022 season, declined the contract option on , placing him into MLS free agency and allowing him to pursue opportunities elsewhere, which ultimately paved the way for his move abroad.

(2023)

joined side as a on November 29, 2022, shortly after his contract with expired at the end of the 2022 MLS season. This signing represented his entry into Mexican professional soccer, where he was positioned as depth behind veteran goalkeepers and Sebastián Salles-Lamonge for the 2023 Clausura tournament. Throughout the Clausura, Ochoa saw limited action with the first team, appearing in just one match as a substitute. His debut occurred on April 1, 2023, entering the game in the 58th minute during Atlético San Luis's 2–1 home win over Necaxa, where he played the final 33 minutes without conceding. He also featured in seven matches for the club's U20 side in the Sub-20 Clausura, contributing to his training and acclimation to the team's environment. Ochoa's contract with , initially set to run through December 2023, was terminated early in May without an extension, concluding his brief stint in .

Los Angeles FC (2024–present)

Ochoa joined LAFC2 of on March 11, 2024, following his stint in . During the 2024 season, he made 20 appearances for LAFC2, conceding 41 goals while registering two clean sheets over 1,890 minutes played. His performances included a 72-save tally, contributing to a solid save percentage in the competitive reserve league. On August 25, 2024, LAFC acquired Ochoa's right of first refusal rights from D.C. United in exchange for a natural third-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and up to $100,000 in conditional general allocation money. This move paved the way for his promotion, as LAFC signed him to the senior roster on September 13, 2024, through the end of the 2024 season with club options for 2025 and 2026. The club exercised his 2025 contract option on November 27, 2024, securing his place on the roster for the upcoming season. In the 2025 MLS season, Ochoa served as the backup goalkeeper to , making his first senior appearance as a starter on June 30 against the , where he played the full 90 minutes. He followed with substitute appearances, including on July 9 against the , July 25 against the , and a start in the group stage on July 29 against Mazatlán FC, where LAFC lost on penalties. By the end of October 2025, Ochoa had logged four total appearances across all competitions, providing depth during LAFC's push to the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, where the team advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals.

International career

United States youth teams

Born in , Ochoa was eligible to represent the internationally through his U.S. . His development within the Real Salt Lake academy system positioned him for early selections to U.S. youth national teams. Ochoa earned his first call-up to the U.S. under-16 national team in 2016, accumulating two caps during friendly matches. In 2018, he appeared for the U.S. under-18 team, securing four caps across tournaments including qualifiers, where he contributed to the squad's qualification efforts. Notably, Ochoa started three matches in the Vaclav Jezek Tournament, making key penalty saves in the final to help secure the title. Ochoa advanced to the U.S. under-20 team ahead of the 2018 U-20 Championship, helping the team qualify for the by winning the tournament and earning shutouts in both of his appearances during the qualifiers. He made three appearances at the 2019 tournament, including starts in the group-stage win against and the quarterfinal loss to . Additionally, in 2020–2021, Ochoa featured for the U.S. under-23 team during Olympic Qualifying, starting three matches including a standout performance with nine saves against and a group-stage clash versus . In December 2020, Ochoa received his first senior U.S. national team call-up for a friendly against but withdrew due to a right injury, resulting in no senior caps.

Mexico national teams

Ochoa announced his intention to switch his international eligibility from the to in August 2021, detailing the decision in a personal essay published by . approved the one-time change of association later that month, following his prior experience with youth teams. He made his debut for the U21 team on October 9, 2021, starting in a 3-1 friendly victory over and playing the full 90 minutes. Two days later, on October 11, 2021, he earned his second U21 cap in a 2-0 win against the U20 side, again completing the match. Ochoa received his first senior national team call-up in July 2021 for the training camp, though he did not feature in the tournament. His first official senior selection came on April 21, 2022, ahead of a friendly match against , though he remained on the bench without earning a cap. He received a second senior selection in June 2022 for the league-phase fixtures against and , serving as a but not appearing in either game. As of November 2025, Ochoa has yet to make a senior appearance for despite multiple call-ups and continued inclusion in national team training pools.

Personal life

Heritage and decision to represent

David Ochoa was born in , to Mexican immigrant parents, immersing him in a vibrant Mexican cultural environment from a young age. His upbringing included traditions such as attending Spanish-language church services, frequenting local taco shops, and speaking at home, which fostered a strong sense of bilingual identity despite his American birthplace. His father, a former himself, introduced him to soccer and reinforced family connections to through shared passion for the sport. Ochoa's decision to represent Mexico internationally stemmed from deep internal deliberations shaped by his family ties and cultural pride. Having previously trained with U.S. youth teams, he weighed the professional opportunities available through the against his profound sense of belonging to his ancestral roots, ultimately prioritizing the emotional comfort of playing for the nation where his extended family—ardent supporters of Mexican club Chivas—resided. In his own words, "I realized that, no matter how much I try, I will never be fully American. Nor will I ever be fully Mexican, so it's about where I feel more comfortable," highlighting how these personal factors outweighed other considerations. On August 12, 2021, Ochoa publicly announced his choice in a candid essay titled "My Path to " published in , where he emphasized honoring his heritage despite being born in the U.S. The piece detailed his journey, underscoring that his switch was not a rejection of American soccer but a heartfelt commitment to representing the country of his parents' origin. Ochoa's announcement garnered significant media attention, sparking broader discussions on the challenges faced by dual-national athletes in choosing their international allegiance. Coverage in outlets like and MLSsoccer.com portrayed it as a personal and emotional milestone that illuminated the cultural tensions many Mexican-American players navigate, while also critiquing U.S. Soccer's inclusivity toward Latino talents. His transparency, including reflections on struggles tied to the decision, contributed to heightened public awareness of the identity complexities in global soccer.

Off-field activities and media contributions

Ochoa has used media interviews to advocate for greater inclusion of immigrant and Latino youth in U.S. soccer, highlighting the cultural barriers faced by Mexican-American players and the need for from similar backgrounds. In a 2021 personal essay, he described his experiences growing up in a Mexican household in , where he felt caught between identities—"the Mexican" in the U.S. and "the " during visits to —and expressed hope to inspire young players in underserved communities to pursue professional careers. He emphasized the underrepresentation of the over 35 million Mexican-origin individuals in the U.S. within professional soccer, positioning his story as a call for cultural inclusivity in the sport. This narrative also critiqued U.S. Soccer's environment for Latinos, noting shared experiences among dual-national players like himself who feel a lack of belonging, often described as "ni de aquí, ni de allá." Following his move to Los Angeles FC in 2024 on a contract through the end of the season with club options for 2025 and 2026, Ochoa has maintained strong community ties to his hometown of Oxnard. As of November 2025, his contract with LAFC expires at the end of the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026. While specific youth clinics led by Ochoa have not been widely documented, his presence in Oxnard—where he grew up playing soccer—has fostered community support, including local recognition of his achievements as an inspiration for area youth. Ochoa has made several media appearances on platforms like and MLS-affiliated channels, where he has discussed aspects of training, his career transitions, and personal motivations. In a 2022 interview, he reflected on his development under coaches at , including challenges with training habits that impacted his progress, and credited early influences like his father's goalkeeping background for shaping his technique from age four. A 2025 discussion focused on his experiences and return to LAFC, touching on mental preparation and technical adjustments in professional training environments. Additionally, in a May 2025 LAFC-produced episode, he shared insights into his daily routine and the physical demands of the position, underscoring the importance of consistency in shot-stopping and distribution skills. As of 2025, Ochoa has no major endorsement deals reported, allowing him to prioritize his on-pitch recovery and off-field balance. He resides in the area, specifically maintaining a base in Oxnard to stay close to his large extended family, including parents who immigrated from and several younger siblings. Ochoa has spoken about the centrality of family gatherings—filled with traditional food and soccer discussions—in providing emotional support during career ups and downs, describing his upbringing as one rooted in close-knit values that motivate his professional drive. In 2025 interviews, he has reflected on the personal impact of his 2023 release from due to disciplinary issues, emphasizing lessons in accountability and mental resilience.

Career statistics

Club appearances and records

David Ochoa has accumulated over 100 professional club appearances as a across various leagues, with no goals scored, as of November 2025. His career breakdown includes 39 appearances in (MLS), primarily with (26 appearances) and (9 appearances), alongside 2 appearances with [Los Angeles FC](/page/Los Angeles_FC) (1 regular season, 1 cup); 28 appearances in lower-division leagues such as (21 with LAFC 2) and (22 with , including playoffs); and limited exposure in with (1 appearance). These figures encompass regular season play, with playoffs and cups noted separately. Ochoa's season-by-season performance highlights his development from USL Championship to MLS, where he demonstrated solid shot-stopping ability, particularly in 2021 with , recording 83 saves and a 67.5% save percentage across 25 starts. In lower tiers like , he logged 20 starts for LAFC 2 in 2024, conceding 41 goals while securing 2 clean sheets with 72 saves (63.7% save percentage). His brief Liga MX stint in 2022–23 featured a substitute appearance with a 100% save rate in 33 minutes. Notable records include becoming the second-youngest to debut in history at age 17 in 2018.
SeasonClubLeagueAppearances (Starts)SavesSave %Clean SheetsGoals ConcededMinutes
2018Real MonarchsUSL Championship1 (1)133.3%0290
2019Real MonarchsUSL Championship16 (16)5370.3%3201,440
2020Real MonarchsUSL Championship5 (5)1263.2%07450
2020Real Salt LakeMLS1 (1)466.7%0290
2021Real Salt LakeMLS25 (25)8367.5%5402,250
2022D.C. UnitedMLS9 (9)3265.3%217810
2022–23Atlético San LuisLiga MX1 (0)1100%0033
2024LAFC 2MLS Next Pro20 (20)7263.7%2411,800
2025Los Angeles FCMLS1 (1)00.0%0190
2025LAFC 2MLS Next Pro1 (1)N/AN/AN/AN/A90
Notes: Table focuses on domestic league regular season play; 2019 USL clean sheets adjusted for regular season (total 4 including playoffs). Playoff appearances include 4 USL (2019) and 3 MLS (2021), adding ~7 games to totals. Data excludes other cups (e.g., 3 US Open Cup in 2021). Saves and save percentages for 2025 unavailable. In comparing leagues, Ochoa's MLS tenure (36 regular season appearances, 66.5% career save , 7 clean sheets) reflects the highest competitive level, where he faced an average of 4.8 shots on target per 90 minutes in , contributing to Real Salt Lake's run. and provided volume experience (46 appearances including , 70.3% save peak in 2019 USL), emphasizing consistency in lower-stakes environments with more minutes per season. His single outing offered a taste of international pace but limited evaluation, contrasting the physicality of MLS against the technical demands of Mexico's top flight. Overall, these records underscore Ochoa's progression as a reliable backup with potential for expanded first-team roles.

International appearances

David Ochoa has earned 16 youth international caps, comprising 12 appearances for U.S. youth teams and 4 for 's U21 side, as of November 2025. He has no senior international appearances for , despite multiple call-ups to training camps and provisional senior rosters, including withdrawals due to club commitments or injuries. His early international experience came with the United States youth teams, where he featured in various tournaments and qualifiers, including three appearances at the . Ochoa recorded notable performances, including 2 clean sheets during U20 World Cup qualifiers. He transitioned to in 2021, debuting at the U21 level that year, but has yet to break through to senior matches.

United States Youth Teams

TeamCapsYearNotes
U1622016Friendly matches; earned first youth call-up.
U1842018Included starts in Vaclav Jezek Tournament, with key saves in win for title.
U2062018–2019Featured in 2018 U-20 Championship (qualifiers) and (3 appearances); 2 shutouts and multiple saves in tournament play.
U230-Called up for 2020 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying but no appearances due to injury/cancellation; not counted as youth caps here.

Mexico Youth Teams

TeamCapsYearNotes
U2142021–presentDebut in friendly vs. (October 9, 2021); subsequent call-ups for camps and matches, including 2022 friendlies. No goals conceded in debut.

Honours

Club achievements

Ochoa's primary club achievement came during his loan spell with SLC in 2019, where he played a pivotal role in securing the title. Starting all 20 of his appearances that season, including every playoff match, Ochoa recorded 69 saves and four clean sheets, contributing significantly to the team's first-ever championship victory over in the final. In 2021, Ochoa established himself as the starting goalkeeper for Real Salt Lake, appearing in 25 MLS matches and helping the team advance to the Western Conference Final, their deepest playoff run since 2013. Ochoa did not win major titles during his time with in 2022 or in 2023, where he made limited appearances without team honors. With , Ochoa was part of the squad that captured the 2024 , the club's first title in the competition, following a 3-1 extra-time victory over in the final; he had been signed on a short-term contract specifically for the tournament. As of November 2025, Ochoa has participated in LAFC's 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs campaign, reaching at least the semifinals in the Western Conference.

International accomplishments

Ochoa first gained national attention in the United States youth soccer scene during the 2015 Dallas Cup U-14 tournament, where he performed strongly for his club team AC Brea and attracted scouts from MLS academies. He went on to represent the U.S. at multiple youth levels, including the U-20 and U-23 teams. Ochoa was part of the U.S. U-20 squad that won the 2018 U-20 Championship, securing qualification for the . In 2021, he earned caps with the U.S. U-23 team at the Olympic Qualifying Championship, starting three matches as the side advanced to the semifinals before finishing third overall. In August 2021, Ochoa announced his decision to switch international allegiance to , citing personal and emotional ties to his heritage. He made his debut for the Mexico U-21 team later that October in a friendly against during a in . Ochoa continued with the U-21 side in subsequent friendlies and 2022 training camps, though the team did not secure any tournament victories during this period. Ochoa's progress led to senior national team opportunities in 2022. In April, he received his first call-up to the Mexico senior squad for a friendly match against . That June, he was named to the roster for the group stage fixtures against and . As a Mexican-American , his inclusion marked a notable step for dual-national representation in Mexico's goalkeeping pool.

References

  1. https://www.lafc.com/news/lafc-signs-luca-bombino-david-ochoa-diego-rosales-and-adrian-wibowo-from-lafc2
  2. https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/261589/david-ochoa
  3. https://www.lafc.com/players/david-ochoa/
  4. https://www.transfermarkt.us/david-ochoa/profil/spieler/580234
  5. https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/david-ochoa/
  6. https://www.dcunited.com/news/d-c-united-acquire-goalkeeper-david-ochoa-from-real-salt-lake
  7. https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/david-ochoa-player
  8. https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2023/05/03/atletico-san-luis-releases-mexico-goalkeeper-david-ochoa/77428480007/
  9. https://www.spotrac.com/mls/player/_/id/28243/david-ochoa
  10. https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/david-ochoa-mexico-national-team-soccer
  11. https://www.rsl.com/players/david-ochoa/news/
  12. https://www.transfermarkt.us/david-ochoa/rueckennummern/spieler/580234
  13. https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/261589/david-ochoa
  14. https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club-soccer-articles/us-u14-bnt-roster-revealed-for-april-camp_aid36373
  15. https://chasingacup.com/david-ochoa/
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  17. https://www.rsl.com/news/real-salt-lake-gk-david-ochoa-called-us-u-20-national-team-2019-fifa-u-20-world-
  18. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/real-salt-lake-sign-luis-arriaga-and-david-ochoa-homegrown-deals
  19. https://www.rsl.com/news/real-monarchs-drop-first-game-2018-rowdies
  20. https://www.rsl.com/news/real-salt-lake-signs-rsl-academy-duo-homegrown-contracts
  21. https://www.ksl.com/article/50167219/real-salt-lake-takes-scoreless-draw-ochoas-first-shutout-from-nashvilles-inaugural-visit
  22. https://www.rsl.com/players/david-ochoa/
  23. https://www.transfermarkt.us/david-ochoa/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/580234
  24. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/sources-dc-united-to-acquire-david-ochoa-from-real-salt-lake
  25. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37630473/dc-united-sign-goalkeeper-david-ochoa-real-salt-lake-sources
  26. https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/david-ochoa/stats/
  27. https://fieldlevelmedia.com/mls/david-ochoa-blanks-former-team-as-d-c-united-ties-real-salt-lake/
  28. https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/623618
  29. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/10/01/dc-united-cf-montreal/
  30. https://fbref.com/en/squads/44117292/2022/DC-United-Stats
  31. https://www.dcunited.com/news/david-ochoa-reflects-on-his-d-c-united-debut
  32. https://wtop.com/dc-united/2023/02/dc-united-preview-coach-wayne-rooney-returns-with-overhauled-roster-playoff-dreams/
  33. https://en.as.com/soccer/atletico-san-luis-sign-goalkeeper-david-ochoa-n/
  34. https://sbisoccer.com/2023/05/former-usynt-goalkeeper-david-ochoa-released-by-atletico-san-luis
  35. https://www.lafc.com/news/lafc2-announces-2024-season-roster
  36. https://www.mlsnextpro.com/players/david-ochoa/stats/
  37. https://www.dcunited.com/news/d-c-united-acquire-third-round-pick-in-2025-mls-superdraft-and-up-to-100-000-in-additional-gam-from-lafc
  38. https://www.lafc.com/news/lafc-announces-roster-moves-for-2025-season
  39. https://www.lafc.com/players/david-ochoa/match-log/
  40. https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/david-ochoa/match-log/
  41. https://www.dailynews.com/2025/07/29/lafc-falls-to-mazatlan-in-pk-shootout-to-open-leagues-cup-play/
  42. https://www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/2025/news/audi-2025-mls-cup-playoffs-conference-semifinal-matchups-key-info
  43. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/david-ochoa/
  44. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/06/usas-2019-u20-world-cup-run-ends-in-2-1-quarterfinal-loss-to-ecuador
  45. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2021/03/us-under-23-mens-national-team-takes-down-costa-rica-1-0-to-open-concacaf-olympic-qualifying
  46. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2021/03/concacaf-mens-olympic-qualifying-usa-0-mexico-1-match-report-stats-standings
  47. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/12/jt-marcinkowski-to-replace-david-ochoa-on-usmnt-training-camp-roster-ahead-of-usa-el-salvador-match
  48. https://sbisoccer.com/2021/08/report-david-ochoa-to-file-one-time-switch-to-play-for-mexican-national-team
  49. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37627733/mexico-call-dual-nationals-jonathan-gomez-david-ochoa-guatemala-friendly
  50. https://www.rsl.com/news/real-salt-lake-homegrown-goalkeeper-david-ochoa-named-to-mexico-national-team
  51. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37619786/personal-emotional-decision
  52. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/rsl-goalkeeper-david-ochoa-explains-choosing-mexico-over-usmnt
  53. https://www.rsl.com/news/my-decision-came-from-the-heart
  54. https://sbisoccer.com/2021/08/david-ochoa-will-play-for-mexico-and-what-it-means-for-the-usmnt
  55. https://ouresquina.com/2021/david-ochoa-exposes-u-s-soccers-culture/
  56. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37631303/david-ochoa-was-mls-best-keepers-2021-rsl-why-rebuilding-career-dc
  57. https://www.soyfutbol.com/en/en/news/David-Ochoa-Spills-the-Beans-on-His-Liga-MX-Exit-Aims-for-a-Comeback-with-LAFC-20250330-0062.html
  58. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U37M_tHN2gw
  59. https://fbref.com/en/players/dba6b279/David-Ochoa
  60. https://www.rsl.com/news/game-at-a-glance-david-ochoa-records-historic-numbers
  61. https://www.rsl.com/news/david-ochoa-named-to-u21-mexico-national-team
  62. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2021/05/usmnt-newbies-justin-che-matthew-hoppe-and-david-ochoa-earn-first-chance-with-senior-team
  63. https://sbisoccer.com/2018/08/u-s-u-18-mens-national-team-wins-vaclav-jezek-tournament
  64. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/03/u23-usmnt-head-coach-jason-kreis-names-usa-roster-for-2020-concacaf-olympic-qualifying-championship
  65. https://en.as.com/en/2021/10/05/soccer/1633463870_611562.html
  66. https://www.rsl.com/news/david-ochoa-gets-the-nod
  67. https://www.lafc.com/news/lafc-signs-goalkeeper-david-ochoa-and-midfielder-thomas-musto-to-short-term-contracts
  68. https://www.transfermarkt.us/david-ochoa/erfolge/spieler/580234
  69. https://www.lafc.com/news/recap-lafc-3-1-sporting-kansas-city-2024-u-s-open-cup-final
  70. https://www.rsl.com/news/rsl-internationals-take-center-stage-with-home-countries
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