The Quakes recently announced the signing of Jacob Akanyirige to a Homegrown Player contract. Here are four things to know about the Quakes’ newest player:
1. At 15-year-old, he’s not only the youngest player in Earthquakes history but among the youngest in MLS history. He’s also the youngest professional athlete in the history of Bay Area team sports.
2. Akanyirige’s hometown in Pleasanton, Calif. and he previously played for the city’s Ballistic United SC.
3. He has been competing for the Quakes’ U-19 Academy squad this season despite being age-eligible for the U-17s.
4. Born on Dec. 31, 2001, Akanyirige qualifies as a 2001 player with U.S. Soccer, but had he been born just one day later, he would qualify as a 2002. He is the youngest member of his international cycle.
