SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes have extended the loan for defender Rodrigues through the end of the 2023 season. The Brazilian center back is top five in Major League Soccer in interceptions and has been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday twice this season, while helping put San Jose in the thick of the playoff race.
“Rodrigues has been a critical piece in our back line since he arrived midseason last year,” said Earthquakes General Manager Chris Leitch. “He has been an important part of our overall defensive improvement in 2023, as we have been very tough to break down this year. He has been recognized this year with multiple MLS Team of the Matchday honors and has formed good partnerships with his fellow defenders. At his young age he has proven his ability as an elite defender, and we are excited to keep him here in San Jose.”
Rodrigues, 25, has started every match for the Quakes this season while leading the back line to a vastly improved 1.26 goals against average. San Jose had a 2.0 GAA during the same span of games last season. Rodrigues has helped the Quakes defense concede the fifth fewest goals in the Western Conference so far this season.
Rodrigues is ranked fifth in MLS in interceptions (41) and ninth in accurate defensive passes (761). He’s tallied two assists this season, including a critical header that led to the game-winning goal against the Seattle Sounders on May 25.
Rodrigues was signed by the Quakes on a 12-month loan with an option to buy from Brazilian side Grêmio in August of 2022. Playing for Grêmio from 2019 to 2022, Rodrigues made 51 league appearances, including 44 in the top-flight Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. He also made eight appearances for Grêmio in the famed Copa Libertadores, where he tallied two goals and an assist, made five appearances in Copa do Brasil, and made two appearances in Copa Sudamericana, among other competitions.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – Earthquakes extend loan for D Rodrigues through the 2023 season.
