Girdwood-Reich spent the 2023-24 season in Australia’s top division and the national Under-23s.
St. Louis CITY SC has signed Australian midfielder/defender Jake Girdwood-Reich just ahead of the MLS Summer Transfer Window. Girdwood-Reich’s contract runs through 2027 with an option for 2028, pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 visa. He will fill an international roster spot and be St. Louis’s second Under-22 Initiative player.
Girdwood-Reich will be eligible for selection starting July 18, coinciding with the opening of MLS’s Summer Transfer Window.
“Girdwood-Reich is one of Australia’s top young prospects, and we are excited to bring him to St. Louis,” said Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel. “His ability to play as a defensive midfielder and center back provides our roster with significant flexibility. His energy and aggression align with our style of play, ensuring he will fit in well.”
At 20, Girdwood-Reich has been with the Sydney FC organization since joining the youth system at 13. He advanced through the ranks, reaching the reserve team in 2020, where he played seven matches, and was promoted to the first team on May 26, 2022, at age 18.
Girdwood-Reich played a key role in leading Sydney FC to their second Australia Cup title, starting and playing all five games in 2023. He became a mainstay for Sydney FC in the 2023-24 season, starting all 23 matches he was available for.
Internationally, Girdwood-Reich debuted for Australia’s youth national team at 18 during the Asia Football Federation U-20 Asian Cup. At 19, he was called up for the Under-23s for the West Asia Football Federation Under-23 Championship.
TRANSACTION: St. Louis CITY SC has signed Australian midfielder/defender Jake Girdwood-Reich just ahead of the MLS Summer Transfer Window. Girdwood-Reich’s contract runs through 2027 with an option for 2028, pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 visa. He will fill an international roster spot and be St. Louis’s second Under-22 Initiative player.
**JAKE GIRDWOOD-REICH**
– **Position:** Midfield/Defender
– **Birthplace:** Clovelly, Australia
– **Country:** Australia
– **Birthdate:** 05/26/2004
– **Age:** 20
– **Height:** 6’1″
– **Previous Club:** Sydney FC
