SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today they have transferred forward Cade Cowell to Club Deportivo Guadalajara of Liga MX, also known as Chivas, for a club-record multimillion-dollar fee.
A Homegrown Player, the 20-year-old Cowell signed a first-team contract with San Jose on Jan. 23, 2019. In five Major League Soccer seasons, the Quakes Academy product scored 10 goals and tallied 15 assists in 104 appearances.
“We want to thank Cade for everything he has given to the San Jose Earthquakes,” said Quakes general manager Chris Leitch, who oversaw the Quakes Academy as technical director when Cowell first joined the club. “To be able to witness firsthand his exponential growth and development as a player and person both on and off the field over the years has been an absolute joy. He’s made an indelible impression on the club and we wish him and his family nothing but success in his next chapter.”
The forward set numerous age-specific Earthquakes records during his tenure in San Jose, including youngest player to make his MLS debut (16 years, 150 days), youngest player to make an MLS start (16 years, 325 days), and youngest player to score an MLS goal (16 years, 325 days).
Cowell was the youngest player selected to the 2021 All-Star Team, one of two players chosen directly by MLS Commissioner Don Garber. This past season, he was named to the league’s 22 Under 22 list for the third consecutive season (2021-23) and became the youngest player in MLS history to make 100 league appearances.
“I’m very thankful for everyone at the Earthquakes, from the coaching staff to the fans, for being there for me and my family every step of the way,” said Cowell. “You’ve watched me grow up from my first days in the Quakes Academy and helped push and inspire me to have the success I’ve enjoyed as a Homegrown Player. We’ve shared so many great memories and I’ve built so many lifelong friends that you’ll always have a special place in my heart.”
A native of Ceres, California, Cowell joined the Quakes Academy from local club Ballistic United after the 2017-18 U.S. Soccer Development Academy season, when he led the nation with 34 goals in 32 appearances at the Under-15 level. Nearly seven months later, Cowell ascended to the professional ranks, becoming the youngest first-team player in Earthquakes and Bay Area team sports history (15 years, 102 days), as well as the fourth-youngest signing ever in MLS history at the time.
Cowell has earned eight caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team, making his debut in a friendly vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina on Dec. 19, 2021. He represented the U.S. in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, where he made five appearances and scored his first goal at senior international level in a 6-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago.
Cowell has also represented the U.S. at the U-16, U-17, U-20, and U-23 levels. The winger played with the U.S. U-20 National Team in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, leading the squad with three goals and helping Team USA reach the quarterfinals.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – Earthquakes transfer F Cade Cowell to Club Deportivo Guadalajara of Liga MX for an undisclosed fee.
