Corey Hertzog Wiki, Bio, Networth, Partner, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Corey Hertzog

Corey James Hertzog is a retired American professional soccer player who was a dynamic and prolific forward, primarily known for his exceptional goal-scoring record in the USL Championship. A Pennsylvania native, Hertzog’s journey in professional soccer began after a stellar collegiate career at Penn State, where he was the nation’s leading scorer in 2010. He was selected in the first round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls, embarking on a career that would see him play for numerous clubs across North America. While his time in Major League Soccer was brief, Hertzog established himself as one of the most formidable strikers in the USL, consistently finding the back of the net and leaving a significant mark on the league’s history with his intelligent movement and clinical finishing. His extensive career is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the sport.

Corey Hertzog Overview

Early Life and Education of Corey Hertzog

Corey Hertzog was born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania. His passion for soccer was evident from a young age, and he began playing when he was just four years old. Hertzog attended Antietam Middle Senior High School, where he became a soccer standout. He was a prolific goal scorer, amassing an impressive 107 career goals and leading Berks County in scoring in both 2006 and 2007. His exceptional high school performance earned him numerous accolades, including a selection to the Pennsylvania All-State team as a senior. After graduating, Hertzog enrolled at Pennsylvania State University to play for the Nittany Lions men’s soccer team from 2008 to 2010. At Penn State, he majored in Elementary Education. His collegiate career was highly successful, culminating in a spectacular junior year in 2010 where he led the entire NCAA in goals (20), points (46), and points per game (2.09). This outstanding season garnered him national attention and solidified his status as a top professional prospect.

Corey Hertzog’s Career

Corey Hertzog’s professional soccer career was launched when he was selected as the 13th overall pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls, signing a Generation Adidas contract. During his time with the Red Bulls, he had the opportunity to learn from legendary French striker Thierry Henry, an experience Hertzog credits as foundational to his career. In 2012, he was loaned to the Wilmington Hammerheads in the third division, where he excelled, becoming one of the league’s top scorers and helping the team reach the final. This loan spell was a precursor to the success he would find in the USL leagues. Following his time with the Red Bulls, Hertzog joined the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2013, where he scored his first MLS goal. He also had a loan spell with FC Edmonton in the NASL during his time with the Whitecaps. His career then saw him move to Orlando City SC in the USL Pro for the 2014 season. After his release from Orlando City as they transitioned to MLS, Hertzog signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL for the 2015 season. The next chapter of his career brought him back to the USL, where he would truly make his name. He signed with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, where he was a consistent goal scorer. His journeyman career continued with stops at Saint Louis FC in 2018 and a particularly successful two-year stint with Reno 1868 FC from 2019 to 2020, where he scored 27 goals in two seasons. In 2021, he joined San Diego Loyal SC, further cementing his legacy in the USL Championship. He then had brief spells with Hartford Athletic and Union Omaha in 2022 before retiring from professional soccer. He is recognized as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the history of the USL Championship, ranking among the top all-time scorers in the league.

Corey Hertzog Personal Life & Family

Corey Hertzog’s family has been a significant part of his life and career. He is the son of Ralph and Susan Hertzog and has a sister named Danielle. In a 2022 interview, Hertzog mentioned that his family is a major source of motivation for him, specifically mentioning his wife, daughter, and son. He has spoken about the challenges of his nomadic professional career and the difficulty of frequently moving with his family. His father was his coach when he was growing up, which instilled in him a strong work ethic to prove himself. Outside of soccer, Hertzog has expressed a preference for warm weather, enjoying his time playing in Florida. He is known for his simple life philosophy of “Play simple.”

Awards and Achievements of Corey Hertzog

• NCAA Division I leader in goals (2010)
• NCAA Division I leader in points (2010)
• NSCAA Second Team All-American (2010)
• TopDrawerSoccer.com National Player of the Year (2010)
• Philly Soccer News Player of the Year (2010)
• Hermann Trophy semifinalist (2010)
• Unanimous First Team All-Big Ten (2010)
• Big Ten Tournament All-Tournament Team (2010, 2009)
• Offensive MVP of the Big Ten Tournament (2009)
• Second Team All-Big Ten (2009)
• USL Championship All-League First Team (2012)

Corey Hertzog Net Worth and Income

Information regarding Corey Hertzog’s net worth and income sources is not publicly available. As a professional soccer player in the MLS and predominantly the USL Championship, his income would have been derived from his club contracts and any potential endorsements. However, specific figures have not been disclosed.

Legacy and Influence

Corey Hertzog’s legacy is firmly cemented in the annals of the USL Championship as one of its most consistent and lethal strikers. His name is often mentioned among the league’s all-time leading goal-scorers, a testament to his longevity and knack for finding the back of the net. Though his time in Major League Soccer was limited, his career demonstrates the depth of talent within the American professional soccer pyramid. He served as an inspiration for many young players in the USL system, proving that a successful and impactful career could be forged through hard work and dedication, regardless of the league. His journey across numerous clubs also highlights the life of many professional soccer players in North America, showcasing the resilience required to adapt to new environments and teams. Hertzog’s influence also extends to the relationships he built with fans, as seen with his “smoothie meetups” in St. Louis, which helped foster a strong community connection.

Interesting Facts about Corey Hertzog

• As a rookie with the New York Red Bulls, he had the opportunity to train and play with French soccer legend Thierry Henry, whom he considered his favorite player growing up.
• He has a number of superstitions, including writing things on the tape on his fingers and wrists before a game.
• While playing for Saint Louis FC, he started a tradition of meeting fans for smoothies before games, which grew to include up to 40 people.
• His nickname is “Sonic the Hertzog.”
• He has mentioned that his favorite movies include “Mean Girls,” “Legally Blonde,” and “The Notebook.”

Controversies

There are no publicly documented controversies involving Corey Hertzog throughout his professional career. He has maintained a reputation as a hardworking and dedicated player.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Information not disclosed
• Twitter – Information not disclosed
• YouTube – Information not disclosed

Final Words about Corey Hertzog

Corey Hertzog concluded his extensive professional soccer career in 2022, leaving behind a legacy as a prolific goal-scorer, particularly in the USL Championship. His career, which spanned over a decade and included more than ten clubs, is a story of perseverance and a deep love for the game. From being a top collegiate player at Penn State to navigating the professional leagues across the United States and Canada, Hertzog consistently demonstrated his ability to score goals. While he has retired from playing professionally, his impact on the USL Championship remains, with his name etched in the league’s record books. His journey serves as a realistic and inspiring example of a successful professional soccer career in North America. As of early 2026, he has been involved as a broadcast analyst.