Jonathan Spector facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jonathan Spector

Spector with Birmingham City in 2016
Personal information
Date of birth	(1986-03-01) March 1, 1986 (age 39)
Place of birth	Arlington Heights, Illinois, United States
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Playing position	Defender
Youth career
2002–2003	Bradenton Academy
2003	Chicago Sockers
2003	Chicago Fire
2003	Manchester United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2003–2006	Manchester United	3	(0)
2005–2006	→ Charlton Athletic (loan)	20	(0)
2006–2011	West Ham United	101	(1)
2011–2017	Birmingham City	153	(0)
2017–2018	Orlando City	38	(1)
2019	Hibernian	1	(0)
Total		316	(2)
National team
2003	United States U17	19	(0)
2005	United States U20	2	(0)
2004–2015	United States	36	(0)
Honours Representing  United States FIFA Confederations Cup Runner-up 2009 South Africa Team CONCACAF Gold Cup Winner CONCACAF Gold Cup 2007 Runner-up CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Jonathan Michael Paul Spector (born March 1, 1986) is an American former soccer player. He played as a defender for 16 years. During his career, he played over 400 games for both his clubs and the United States national team. He helped the United States win the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2007. Spector also played 36 games for the United States national team. After retiring as a player in 2019, he became the Head of Scouting for the MLS team Atlanta United.

Jonathan started his professional soccer journey in England. He joined Manchester United as a teenager. He then played on loan at Charlton Athletic. In 2006, he moved to West Ham United, where he played more than 100 games. After that, he spent five and a half seasons with Birmingham City. Later, Spector played for the MLS club Orlando City and had a short time with the Scottish club Hibernian.

Even though he started as a striker when he was younger, Spector became a defender as a professional player. He usually played as a right-back. However, he could also play in other defensive spots or even in central midfield.

Early Life and Family

Jonathan Spector was born and grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois, near Chicago. He was the youngest of four children. His mother was born in Germany, which meant Spector also had a German passport. This was helpful because it allowed him to play in England without needing a special work permit.

Jonathan's grandfather, Art Spector, was a famous NBA basketball player. He was the first player ever signed by the Boston Celtics in 1946. Jonathan's grandfather passed away when Jonathan was very young.

Jonathan went to St. Peter Lutheran Junior High School and St. Viator High School. He played high school soccer there. He also played youth soccer for clubs like Schwaben AC, Chicago Sockers, Chicago Fire, and Manchester United. He finished his training at the United States Soccer Federation's Bradenton Academy when he was 17.

Club Soccer Career

Playing for Manchester United

A scout from Manchester United first noticed Spector in 2003. Jonathan was playing for the American Under-17 team at a tournament called the Milk Cup. He was originally a striker, but he played in defense during one game because of injuries to other players. The scout was very impressed by his defending.

Spector joined Manchester United in the summer of 2003. He even won the club's Young Player of the Year award for the 2003–04 season. He played his first game for the main team in August 2004. Later, he was loaned to Charlton Athletic for the 2005–06 season to get more experience playing in first-team games. He played 24 games for Charlton.

Time at West Ham United

Spector with West Ham United in 2009

In June 2006, Spector joined West Ham United. He played his first game for them in September 2006. He played 28 games in his first season. Spector was a valuable player because he could play anywhere in the defense.

He missed much of the 2008–09 season due to injuries. However, in the 2009–10 season, he played in 27 games. He often played as a left-back, even though he was right-footed. In November 2010, he scored his first goals for West Ham. He scored twice in a 4–0 win against his old club, Manchester United, in the League Cup. He also scored his first Premier League goal later that season against Everton. West Ham released Spector in June 2011.

Playing for Birmingham City

Spector playing for Birmingham City in 2012

In August 2011, Spector signed a two-year contract with Birmingham City, a team in the Championship. He played his first game for Birmingham in a Europa League match. He often played in central midfield, a position he enjoyed. He also filled in at right-back and sometimes left-back. His ability to play in different positions was very helpful to the team.

He faced some injuries during his time at Birmingham City. Despite this, he signed another two-year contract. In 2014, he helped Birmingham avoid being moved down to a lower league. He continued to be a regular player for the team. Spector decided he wanted to return to the United States in January 2017. He played a total of 179 games for Birmingham City.

Moving to Orlando City

Birmingham City ended Spector's contract, and he signed with Orlando City in Major League Soccer on January 24, 2017. He made his MLS debut on March 5, 2017, in a 1–0 win. He was even named club captain for the 2018 season. He played 38 games for Orlando City over two years.

Short Time at Hibernian

In March 2019, Spector signed a short contract with Hibernian, a Scottish team. He played only one game for them before being released in May 2019.

Jonathan Spector officially announced his retirement as a player on August 11, 2019. He played over 400 games for his clubs and country during his 16-year career. He also helped the United States win the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2007. After retiring, he became the Head of International Player Recruitment and Development for Atlanta United FC.

International Soccer Career

In 2003, Spector played for the United States national team at the World Under-17 Championship. He earned his first game for the senior national team on November 17, 2004, in a World Cup qualifier against Jamaica.

In 2005, Spector was part of the United States Under-20 team. He was considered for the World Cup squad, but a shoulder injury in April ended his chances.

Spector was a key player for the United States team that won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June 2007. They beat Mexico 2–1 in the final.

He was also part of the United States team for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He played as a right-back for the entire tournament. He helped Clint Dempsey score an important goal against Egypt. In the final against Brazil, Spector again helped Dempsey score the first goal.

Spector was included in the final squad for the World Cup but did not play in any games. He played 36 games for the United States national team between 2004 and 2015.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances

International Appearances

Awards and Honors

United States National Team

• CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2007 (Winner)

Individual Awards

• Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year: 2003–04 (Awarded by Manchester United)

See also

In Spanish: Jonathan Spector para niños

• List of select Jewish association football (soccer) players