SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club acquired the right of first refusal for goalkeeper William Yarbrough from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for a natural third-round selection in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. The Earthquakes subsequently signed Yarbrough to a contract for the 2024 season with a club option for 2025.
“William comes to us as a seasoned veteran with a championship pedigree,” said general manager Chris Leitch. “I’m looking forward to have him be part of our goalkeeper group in 2024.”
Yarbrough, 34, joined Colorado on loan in March 2020, later signing a permanent contract in February 2021. He amassed 33 shutouts in 101 appearances and logged 9,044 minutes across four MLS seasons. The goalkeeper led the Rapids to two Audi MLS Cup Playoff berths (2020, 2021), including a first-place finish in the Western Conference during the 2021 season.
Before his time with Colorado, Yarbrough started his professional career with Liga MX side Club León in 2012. He won two league titles (Apertura 2013, Clausura 2014) and appeared in 203 games in eight years with the club.
The Aguascalientes, Mexico, native was born to American parents as a dual citizen of the United States and Mexico. He has earned three senior international caps with the U.S. Men’s National team.
William Yarbrough
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-2
Weight: 161
Born: March 20, 1989
Preferred Foot: Right
Hometown: Aguascalientes, Mexico
Previous Club: Colorado Rapids
Nationality: USA, Mexico
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – Earthquakes acquire right of first refusal rights for GK William Yarbrough from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for 2025 MLS SuperDraft third-round selection. Earthquakes subsequently sign Yarbrough to a contract for the 2024 season with a club option for 2025.
