The San Jose Earthquakes are business as usual on the training field, despite not having a game on tap for this weekend. However it wouldn’t take a skilled eye to notice a few new faces sprinkled throughout the squad.
Several current and former Quakes Academy players have linked up with the first team to gain experience playing against higher competition and learn a thing or two from the professionals. Among them are Cal senior Josh Morton, San Jose State junior Jonathan Partida, and academy stars Jean-Julien ‘JJ’ Foe Nuphaus, Christopher Grey and Gilbert Fuentes. Foe Nuphaus, 17, Grey, 17, and Fuentes, 15, have all represented the United States at various youth levels.
The young players, all of which would be eligible as future homegrown signings, have enjoyed their experience with the first team.
“I think it’s great to get a taste of what it’s like to be a professional and what the level is here,” said Foe Nuphaus. “For us, it’s very motivating to see that this is something we can achieve if we keep working hard. It’s a great experience for all of us to be out here and having some fun while we’re at it.”
The Mountain View, Calif. native played extensively in the Quakes Academy before drawing the eye of Bundesliga side Hoffenheim last summer. He joined the German club’s U-17 squad before returning to San Jose in March.
“I think it was great overall,” explained JJ. “Everyone talks about going to Europe and it was great to get a taste of what it was like over there. It was a different atmosphere and different culture.”
Despite how much he enjoyed his time in Germany, he is happy to be back where he belongs: “This is my home. I’m very comfortable here and I think it’s a great environment to be in.”
Morton, a leader on the California Golden Bears and Burlingame Dragons backline, had the same sentiment about the training opportunity.
“Just being in a professional environment helps players develop,” said Morton. “Coming from PDL and college – and even high school for some of these guys – being able to experience a professional atmosphere and everyday training habits really teaches us a lot and motivates us to be better players.”
Heading into his senior year at Cal, Morton aspires to have his best season yet and fully prepare himself for the next level.
“It’s been a really good ride. Hopefully I can end it on a really positive note that would lead nicely into starting a professional career.”
Fuentes, who turned just 15 years old in February, has been turning heads left and right in the last year and has established himself as one of the brightest prospects in any MLS system. He earned a call-up to the U.S. U-15 National Team last fall and was recently ranked as the nation’s fourth best player in class of 2020 by Top Drawer Soccer.
Keep an eye out for these, and many other, Quakes Academy players as they may soon be coming to a stadium near you.
