# A. J. Cochran

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American soccer player (born 1993)

A. J. Cochran Cochran in 2014 Personal information Full name Alec John Cochran Date of birth (1993-02-09) February 9, 1993 (age 33) Place of birth St. Louis, Missouri, United States Height 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) Position Defender 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) 2019–2020 Phoenix Rising 37 (2) 2021–2022 Indy Eleven 47 (1) 2023 Charleston Battery 19 (0) Total 218 (4) International career‡ 2014 United States U23 1 (0) * Club domestic league appearances and goals as of October 17, 2023 ‡ National team caps and goals as of August 16, 2014

**Alec John "A. J." Cochran** (born February 9, 1993) is an American professional [soccer](/source/Association_football) [defender](/source/Defender_(association_football)).

## Early life and education

Cochran was born and raised in [St. Louis, Missouri](/source/St._Louis). His parents are Anne and John Cochran and he has one sister. He attended [CBC High School](/source/Christian_Brothers_College_High_School).[1] He also played [baseball](/source/Baseball), [basketball](/source/Basketball), and [football](/source/American_football) as a kid, but his dad encouraged him to focus on soccer.[2] He attended the [University of Wisconsin](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Madison).[1]

## Early career

Cochran attended [CBC High School](/source/Christian_Brothers_College_High_School) in [St. Louis, Missouri](/source/St._Louis), where he played on the school soccer team. He helped lead the school to a state championship in his junior year and was an [NSCAA](/source/United_Soccer_Coaches) All-American (and Missouri's [Gatorade](/source/Gatorade) player of the year) as a senior.[1][3] He played for club side [St. Louis Scott Gallagher](/source/St._Louis_Scott_Gallagher_Soccer_Club) as a kid.[1][4]

Cochran played three years of [college soccer](/source/College_soccer_in_the_United_States) at the [University of Wisconsin](/source/University_of_Wisconsin) between 2011 and 2013. He helped take the [Badgers](/source/Wisconsin_Badgers_men's_soccer) to the [NCAA tournament](/source/NCAA_Division_I_Men's_Soccer_Tournament) his junior year. Accolades he received while at Wisconsin include 2011 [Big Ten](/source/Big_Ten_Conference) All-Freshman team, 2012 and 2013 first team All-Big Ten, and 2013 [Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year](/source/Big_Ten_Conference_Men's_Soccer_Defensive_Player_of_the_Year). He was also a 2013 first team NSCAA All-American, the first Badger to be a first team all American since 1995.[1][5]

While at college, Cochran appeared for [PDL](/source/Premier_Development_League) clubs [Michigan Bucks](/source/Michigan_Bucks) and [K-W United FC](/source/K-W_United_FC) during their 2013 seasons.[6][7]

Cochran left Wisconsin after his junior season, signing a [Generation Adidas](/source/Generation_Adidas) deal with [Major League Soccer](/source/Major_League_Soccer).[8]

## Houston Dynamo

On January 16, 2014, Cochran was drafted by [Houston Dynamo](/source/Houston_Dynamo) in the first-round (16th overall) of the [2014 MLS SuperDraft](/source/2014_MLS_SuperDraft).[9] He made his professional debut on April 5, coming off the bench in a 4–1 loss to [FC Dallas](/source/FC_Dallas).[10] During his first pro season, Cochran made 19 MLS appearances as the Dynamo finished 8th in the [Eastern Conference](/source/Eastern_Conference_(MLS)), missing out on the playoffs.[10][11] He also made 2 appearances in the [U.S. Open Cup](/source/U.S._Open_Cup).[12]

During the 2015 season, Cochran made 7 MLS appearances as the Dynamo finished 8th in the [Western Conference](/source/Western_Conference_(MLS)) and failed to qualify for the playoffs again.[13][14] In Open Cup play, Cochran played in all 3 of Houston's games as they reached the quarterfinals, where they lost to [Sporting Kansas City](/source/Sporting_Kansas_City) 3–1.[12] He also spent part of the season on loan with [USL](/source/USL_Championship) club [Charleston Battery](/source/Charleston_Battery), where he made 2 appearances.[15][16]

On November 30, 2015, Cochran's contract option was declined by the Dynamo.[17]

## Saint Louis FC

Despite going on trial with the [Colorado Rapids](/source/Colorado_Rapids) in the 2016 MLS pre-season, where he scored a match winning goal in a friendly against [Sacramento Republic](/source/Sacramento_Republic),[18] Cochran was not offered a contract and signed with [USL](/source/United_Soccer_League) club [Saint Louis FC](/source/Saint_Louis_FC) on March 6, 2016.[19] He made his debut for Saint Louis on March 26 in a 1–0 loss to [Real Monarchs](/source/Real_Monarchs).[12] He had 2 assists from 27 appearances during the regular season as Saint Louis finished 14th in the [Western Conference](/source/Western_Conference_(USL_Championship)), failing to qualify for the playoffs.[16][20]

Cochran and Saint Louis opened the 2017 season on March 25 with a 0–0 draw against [Louisville City](/source/Louisville_City_FC).[21] On May 17 he scored his first goal for Saint Louis in a 4–3 victory against [FC Wichita](/source/FC_Wichita) in the [U.S. Open Cup](/source/U.S._Open_Cup). He scored his first league goal for Saint Louis on June 2 in a 2–0 win over [Toronto FC II](/source/Toronto_FC_II). Cochran ended the season with 18 USL appearances and 1 goal as Saint Louis missed the playoffs again, finishing 12th in the [Eastern Conference](/source/Eastern_Conference_(USL_Championship)).[21][22]

## Atlanta United 2

On January 24, 2018, Cochran signed with [Atlanta United 2](/source/Atlanta_United_2) of the [United Soccer League](/source/United_Soccer_League).[23] He made his debut for Atlanta United 2 on March 24, getting the start in a 3–1 win against [New York Red Bulls II](/source/New_York_Red_Bulls_II). He ended the season with 2 assists from 30 appearances as Atlanta United 2 missed the playoffs after finishing 14th in the [Eastern Conference](/source/Eastern_Conference_(USL_Championship)).[24][25]

## Phoenix Rising FC

Cochran signed with [Phoenix Rising FC](/source/Phoenix_Rising_FC) on December 25, 2018.[26] He made his debut for Phoenix on March 16 in a 3–3 draw with [New Mexico United](/source/New_Mexico_United).[27] Cochran ended the regular season with 24 appearances and 4 assists, helping Phoenix finish top of the [Western Conference](/source/Western_Conference_(USL_Championship)).[27][28] He played in both of Phoenix's playoff games as they lost to [Real Monarchs](/source/Real_Monarchs) in the quarterfinals.[27] Cochran was named to the 2019 USL Championship All-League Second Team.[29]

On August 8, 2020, Cochran scored his first goal for Phoenix in a 5–2 win over New Mexico. He scored again on October 3 in a 4–1 victory against [LA Galaxy II](/source/LA_Galaxy_II). In a shortened regular season due to the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic), Cochran had 2 goals from 13 appearances.[30] He started both of Phoenix's playoff games before the championship game was cancelled after multiple [Tampa Bay Rowdies](/source/Tampa_Bay_Rowdies) players and staff tested positive for COVID-19.[30][31]

## Indy Eleven

Cochran made the move to USL Championship side [Indy Eleven](/source/Indy_Eleven) on February 17, 2021.[32] He earned a place in the USL Team of the Week for Week 31 of the 2022 season after scoring a goal and a solid defensive performance in a 4–1 win over the Charleston Battery.

He was released from his contract by mutual agreement on January 31, 2023. During his two years with the club, he accumulated 47 regular season appearances (39 starts) and scored one goal.

## Charleston Battery

On February 2, 2023, Cochran joined USL Championship side [Charleston Battery](/source/Charleston_Battery) for their 2023 season.[33]

## Career statistics

- *As of January 29, 2021*[34][35][36]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition Club Season League Open Cup Playoffs Continental Total Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Houston Dynamo 2014 MLS 19 0 2 0 — — 21 0 2015 7 0 3 0 — — 10 0 Total 26 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 31 0 Charleston Battery (loan) 2015 USL 2 0 0 0 0 0 — 2 0 Saint Louis FC 2016 USL 27 0 1 0 — — 28 0 2017 18 1 3 1 — — 21 2 Total 45 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 49 2 Atlanta United 2 2018 USL 30 0 — — — 30 0 Phoenix Rising 2019 USLC 24 0 1 0 2 0 — 27 0 2020 13 2 0 0 2 0 — 15 2 Total 37 2 1 0 4 0 0 0 42 2 Career total 140 3 10 1 4 0 0 0 154 4

## Honors

**Phoenix Rising**

- [USL Championship](/source/USL_Championship) Regular Season: [2019](/source/2019_USL_Championship_season)

**Individual**

- USL Championship All-League Second Team: 2019[29]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:0_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-:0_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-:0_1-4) ["AJ Cochran | Men's Soccer"](https://uwbadgers.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/aj-cochran/997). *Wisconsin Badgers*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Statz, Lydia. ["Team Player: A. J. Cochran"](https://onwisconsin.uwalumni.com/contender/team-player-a-j-cochran/). *OnWisconsin*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151016120437/http://onwisconsin.uwalumni.com:80/contender/team-player-a-j-cochran/) from the original on October 16, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["AJ Cochran, CBC Cadets, Named Missouri Gatorade POY"](http://sgfsoccer.com/2011/05/16/aj-cochran-cbc-cadets-named-missouri-gatorade-poy/). *SGF Soccer*. May 16, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Three SLSG Alumni Picked in MLS SuperDraft | St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club"](http://www.slsgsoccer.com/three-slsg-alumni-picked-in-mls-superdraft/). *www.slsgsoccer.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["2018 Men's Soccer Record Book (PDF)"](https://uwbadgers.com/documents/2017/6/20/2018_MSOC_Record_Book.pdf) (PDF). *Wisconsin Badgers*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["United Soccer Leagues (USL)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131210132617/http://www.uslpdl.com/teams/2013/33862327.html#STATS). Uslpdl.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.uslpdl.com/teams/2013/33862327.html#STATS) on December 10, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["United Soccer Leagues (USL)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20161220095706/http://pdl.uslsoccer.com/teams/2013/22344.html#MAIN). Pdl.uslsoccer.com. Archived from [the original](http://pdl.uslsoccer.com/teams/2013/22344.html#MAIN) on December 20, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ANDERSON, ERIC (January 14, 2014). ["Center back Cochran off to MLS, UW's first Generation adidas player"](https://www.wisconsinsoccercentral.com/news_article/show/327391-center-back-cochran-off-to-mls-uw-s-first-generation-adidas-player). *Wisconsin Soccer Central*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Ortiz, Jose de Jesus (January 16, 2014). ["Dynamo select AJ Cochran in first round of MLS SuperDraft – Houston Chronicle"](http://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/Dynamo-select-AJ-Cochran-in-first-round-of-MLS-5149941.php). Chron.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140117070137/http://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/Dynamo-select-AJ-Cochran-in-first-round-of-MLS-5149941.php) from the original on January 17, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_10-1) ["A. J. Cochran 2014 Match Logs"](https://fbref.com/en/players/3adea0c9/matchlogs/2014/summary/A-J-Cochran-Match-Logs). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["2014 Major League Soccer Stats"](https://fbref.com/en/comps/22/708/2014-Major-League-Soccer-Stats). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:2_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:2_12-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:2_12-2) ["USA - A. Cochran - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway"](https://us.soccerway.com/players/alec-john-cochran/332666/matches/). *us.soccerway.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["A. J. Cochran 2015 Match Logs"](https://fbref.com/en/players/3adea0c9/matchlogs/2015/summary/A-J-Cochran-Match-Logs). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["2015 Major League Soccer Stats"](https://fbref.com/en/comps/22/1369/2015-Major-League-Soccer-Stats). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Pedersen, Matt (May 19, 2015). ["Loan update: Cochran, Rodriguez & Lisch feature for Charleston in two-game weekend"](https://www.houstondynamofc.com/post/2015/05/19/loan-update-cochran-rodriguez-lisch-feature-charleston-two-game-weekend). *Houston Dynamo*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210430191833/https://www.houstondynamofc.com/post/2015/05/19/loan-update-cochran-rodriguez-lisch-feature-charleston-two-game-weekend) from the original on April 30, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:3_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:3_16-1) ["A. J. Cochran Stats"](https://fbref.com/en/players/3adea0c9/A-J-Cochran). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Houston Dynamo announce roster moves"](https://www.houstondynamofc.com/post/2015/11/30/houston-dynamo-announce-roster-moves). *Houston Dynamo*. November 30, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210509042259/https://www.houstondynamofc.com/post/2015/11/30/houston-dynamo-announce-roster-moves) from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Match Report: Sacramento Republic FC 0-1 Colorado Rapids"](http://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2016/02/13/match-report-sacramento-republic-fc-0-1-colorado-rapids). February 13, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Saint Louis FC Roster Continues to Grow - Saint Louis Football Club"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160313154412/http://saintlouisfc.com/sports/msoc/2016-17/releases/20160306o2p6oy). Archived from [the original](http://saintlouisfc.com/sports/msoc/2016-17/releases/20160306o2p6oy) on March 13, 2016. Retrieved March 7, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["2016 USL Stats"](https://fbref.com/en/comps/73/1511/2016-USL-Stats). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:4_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:4_21-1) ["A. J. Cochran 2017 Match Logs"](https://fbref.com/en/players/3adea0c9/matchlogs/2017/summary/A-J-Cochran-Match-Logs). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["2017 USL Stats"](https://fbref.com/en/comps/73/1583/2017-USL-Stats). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Atlanta United 2 signs four players to inaugural roster"](https://www.atlutd.com/post/2018/01/24/atlanta-united-2-signs-four-players-inaugural-roster). *Atlanta United*. January 24, 2018. Retrieved January 24, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["A. J. Cochran 2018 Match Logs"](https://fbref.com/en/players/3adea0c9/matchlogs/2018/summary/A-J-Cochran-Match-Logs). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["2018 USL Stats"](https://fbref.com/en/comps/73/1776/2018-USL-Stats). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["Defender A.J. Cochran Joins Rising FC For 2019"](https://www.phxrisingfc.com/news_article/show/980039). Phoenix Rising Football Club. December 25, 2018. Retrieved December 25, 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:5_27-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:5_27-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:5_27-2) ["A. J. Cochran 2019 Match Logs"](https://fbref.com/en/players/3adea0c9/matchlogs/2019/summary/A-J-Cochran-Match-Logs). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["2019 USL Championship Stats"](https://fbref.com/en/comps/73/2799/2019-USL-Championship-Stats). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:6_29-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:6_29-1) ["USL Championship Announces 2019 All-League Teams"](https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1064203). *www.uslchampionship.com*. November 12, 2019. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:7_30-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:7_30-1) ["A. J. Cochran 2020 Match Logs"](https://fbref.com/en/players/3adea0c9/matchlogs/2020/summary/A-J-Cochran-Match-Logs). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["USL Championship Final Cancelled, Season Concludes with Tampa Bay, Phoenix as Conference Title-Winners"](https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1130727). *www.uslchampionship.com*. October 31, 2020. Retrieved January 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** ["Indy Eleven Bolsters Defensive Corps with Cochran"](https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1146825). February 17, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["Battery sign veteran defender AJ Cochran"](https://www.charlestonbattery.com/news/2023/02/02/battery-sign-veteran-defender-aj-cochran/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["AJ Cochran"](https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/aj-cochran). *Major League Soccer*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140116141143/http://www.mlssoccer.com:80/players/aj-cochran) from the original on January 16, 2014. Retrieved January 29, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["A. J. Cochran Stats"](https://fbref.com/en/players/3adea0c9/A-J-Cochran). *FBref.com*. Retrieved January 29, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** ["USA - A. Cochran - Profile with news, career statistics and history"](https://us.soccerway.com/players/alec-john-cochran/332666/). *Soccerway*. Retrieved January 29, 2021.

## External links

- [A. J. Cochran](https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/aj-cochran) at [Major League Soccer](/source/Major_League_Soccer)

v t e Houston Dynamo FC first-round draft picks Ianni Hayden Sarkodie Bruin Rolfe Johnson Cochran Steinberger Holland Nelson Junqua McLaughlin Bartlow Úlfarsson Gyamfi Highfield

v t e 2014 MLS SuperDraft first-round selections Andre Blake Steve Birnbaum Christian Dean Steve Neumann Eric Miller Tesho Akindele Andre Lewis Damion Lowe J. J. Koval Nick Hagglund Patrick Mullins Marlon Hairston Marco Franco Ben Sweat Pedro Ribeiro A. J. Cochran Schillo Tshuma Ryan Neil Grant Van De Casteele

v t e 2013 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer First-Team All-America Goalkeeper Andre Blake Defenders Steve Birnbaum A. J. Cochran Taylor Peay Midfielders Laurie Bell Aodhan Quinn Leo Stolz Forwards Pete Caringi Sagi Lev-Ari Patrick Mullins Harry Shipp

v t e Big Ten Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Year Player of the Year 1991: Sergi 1992: Sparks 1993: Kelly & Maisonneuve 1994: Maisonneuve 1995: Reid 1996: Friedrichs 1997: Alavanja 1998: Alavanja 1999: Korol 2000: Mack 2001: Noonan 2002: Noonan 2003: Cameron 2004: Cook 2005: Plotkin 2006: Tudela 2007: Balc 2008: DeMartin Offensive Player of the Year 2009: Yeisley 2010: Bruin 2011: Hegngi 2012: Zavaleta 2013: Zadro 2014: Maloney 2015: Wright 2016: Wild 2017: Mueller 2018: Hallahan 2019: Popović 2020: Bezerra 2021: Mangione 2022: Myers 2023: Mangione 2024: Mihalic 2025: Ault Defensive Player of the Year 2009: Blades & Verhoff 2010: Tiemstra 2011: Tiemstra 2012: Ritter 2013: Cochran 2014: Boxall 2015: Doyle 2016: Crognale 2017: Lillard 2018: Gutman 2019: Molloy 2020: Ragen 2021: Munie 2022: Munie 2023: Awodesu 2024: Kulvik 2025: Kelp Midfielder of the Year 2013: Arnone 2014: Chapman 2015: Thompson 2016: Thompson 2017: Williamson 2018: Barone 2019: Maher 2020: Ybarra 2021: Bender 2022: Wootton 2023: Wootton 2024: Adedokun 2025: Aman Goalkeeper of the Year 2013: Wolverton 2014: Miller 2015: Froschauer 2016: Niedermeier 2017: Hague 2018: Muse 2019: Verdi 2020: Celentano 2021: Celentano 2022: McLaughlin 2023: Shakes 2024: Kelly 2025: Mack

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [A. J. Cochran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._J._Cochran) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._J._Cochran?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.