A. J. Cochran
Alec John "A. J." Cochran (born February 9, 1993) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Phoenix Rising FC.
 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Alec John Cochran | ||
| Date of birth | February 9, 1993 | ||
| Place of birth | St. Louis, Missouri, United States | ||
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) | ||
| Playing position(s) | Defender | ||
| Club information | |||
Current team | Phoenix Rising | ||
| Number | 3 | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2011–2013 | Wisconsin Badgers | 58 | (5) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2013 | Michigan Bucks | 5 | (0) |
| 2013 | K-W United | 3 | (0) |
| 2014–2015 | Houston Dynamo | 26 | (0) |
| 2015 | → Charleston Battery (loan) | 2 | (0) |
| 2016–2017 | Saint Louis FC | 49 | (1) |
| 2018 | Atlanta United 2 | 30 | (0) |
| 2019– | Phoenix Rising | 30 | (1) |
| National team‡ | |||
| 2014 | United States U23 | 1 | (0) |
|
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of August 8, 2020 ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of August 16, 2014 | |||
Career
Early career
Cochran attended CBC High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where he played for the Cadets under coach Terry Michler, the winningest high school coach in the U.S. AJ won a state championship his junior year and was an All American his senior year. AJ was also Gatorade player of the year for Missouri his senior year. Cochran played three years of college soccer at the University of Wisconsin between 2011 and 2013, before signing a Generation Adidas deal with Major League Soccer. AJ helped take Wisconsin to the NCAA tournament his junior year and was a first team All American. While at college, Cochran appeared for both Michigan Bucks and K-W United FC during their 2013 seasons.[1][2]
Houston Dynamo
On January 16, 2014, Cochran was drafted by Houston Dynamo in the first-round (16th overall) of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft.[3]
Cochran made his professional debut during a 4–1 loss to FC Dallas on April 5, 2014.[4]
Cochran's option was declined by the Dynamo at the end of the 2015 MLS season.[5]
Saint Louis FC
Despite going on trial with the Colorado Rapids in the 2016 MLS pre-season, where he scored a match winner against Sacramento Republic,[6] Cochran was not offered a contract and signed with USL club Saint Louis FC on March 6, 2016.[7]
Atlanta United 2
On January 24, 2018, Cochran signed with Atlanta United 2 of the United Soccer League.[8] AJ finished a team high in minutes played and started 30 of 34 games for ATLUTD 2. He also finished 3rd in the USL in passes completed during the regular season (1,916). First amongst defenders.
Phoenix Rising FC
Cochran signed with Phoenix Rising FC on December 25, 2018.[9]
References
- "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". Uslpdl.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
- "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". Pdl.uslsoccer.com. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
- "Dynamo select AJ Cochran in first round of MLS SuperDraft – Houston Chronicle". Chron.com. January 16, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
- "MatchCenter – Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas". Matchcenter.mlssoccer.com. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
- "Houston Dynamo announce roster moves". November 30, 2015.
- "Match Report: Sacramento Republic FC 0-1 Colorado Rapids". February 13, 2016.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 13, 2016. Retrieved March 7, 2016.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Atlanta United 2 signs four players to inaugural roster". Atlanta United. January 24, 2018. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
- "Defender A.J. Cochran Joins Rising FC For 2019". Phoenix Rising Football Club. December 25, 2018. Retrieved December 25, 2018.