SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes have signed Canadian midfielder Michael Baldisimo to a contract for the 2023 season with a club option for 2024. The Earthquakes selected Baldisimo in Stage 2 of the 2022 Major League Soccer Re-Entry Draft on November 22.
“We were excited about the opportunity to select Michael during the Re-Entry Draft,” said Earthquakes General Manager Chris Leitch. “He’s a 22-year-old with nearly 50 MLS appearances under his belt. We believe he can be a contributor in 2023.”
Baldisimo, 22, tallied one goal and three assists in 47 MLS appearances (23 starts) for Vancouver Whitecaps FC since joining the team in July 2018. A longtime member of the Whitecaps FC Academy, Baldisimo signed his first professional contract with Whitecaps FC 2 in 2017 before joining the first team in July 2018 at 18 years old.
After a breakout season in 2020, Baldisimo set career highs in appearances (21), starts (12), and minutes played (1,254) in 2021, while helping Vancouver to their first playoff berth since 2017. In 2022, he made four starts in 13 MLS appearances, while making another two starts for MLS NEXT Pro side Whitecaps FC 2.
Internationally, Baldisimo has represented his native Canada at the U17, U20 and U23 levels. He was named to the U20 squad for the 2018 Concacaf U20 Championship and to the U23 squad for the 2020 Concacaf Olympic Qualifying Championship. Baldisimo, of Filipino descent, has also received multiple call-ups to the senior Philippines National Team, but has not yet made an appearance.
Michael Baldisimo
(bal-DEE-see-mo)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-6
Weight: 165 lbs.
Born: April 13, 2000, in Burnaby, BC
Preferred Foot: Right
Hometown: Burnaby, BC
Previous Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS)
College: N/A
Roster Designation: Domestic, Homegrown
Citizenship: Canada
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – Earthquakes sign M Michael Baldisimo to a contract for the 2023 season with a club option for 2024.
