With the 2017 season officially in the books, the San Jose Earthquakes have plenty to be proud of on and off the field. A trip to the postseason for the first time in five years and a spot in the U.S. Open Cup semis for the first time since 2004 highlight the calendar year.
Let’s takes a look at how individuals on the team fared this year and how they impacted the club.
Francois Affolter
Francois Affolter, 26, signed with the Quakes in July to boost the team’s backline depth. Injuries had decimated the Earthquakes’ expected talent-level, with season-long varieties to both Harold Cummings and Marvell Wynne. After searching for answers, general manager Jesse Fioranelli dipped into the transfer market for help.
Affolter reportedly turned down other offers, bigger offers, in Europe to pursue a spot in San Jose. After getting him up to speed, he made his debut during the team’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal match against Sporting Kansas City, playing 103 minutes in the PK shootout loss.
Affolter ultimately made six starts for the Quakes in his debut season with the club.
