SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has signed veteran goalkeeper Daniel Vega. He comes to San Jose with experience from his native Argentina, Cyprus and the United States. Vega speaks both English and Spanish.
“Daniel is an experienced goalkeeper that has proven to be very trustworthy for his clubs,” said Earthquakes head coach Matias Almeyda. “I’m excited that he’ll be a part of our team.”
Vega, 34, began his professional career in 2004 with Argentina’s Nueva Chicago, where he played for three years before signing with powerhouse River Plate. Vega remained with River Plate from 2007-13, making 76 appearances.
“We are excited that Daniel is joining us,” said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. “He is a goalkeeper with great qualities on and off the field and will provide guidance and leadership for our younger players.”
In September 2013, Vega moved to Europe to compete for Anorthosis in Cyprus, where he helped them finish top-six every season during his three-year stint with the club.
Vega moved state-side in January 2016, signing with Miami FC of the North American Soccer League (NASL) ahead of their inaugural campaign. After a difficult 2016 Spring season, Vega led a resurgence during the Fall season in which Miami FC finished fifth with a 9-7-6 record. He played every minute of the 32-game season.
Vega’s consistency and durability in net led to success for Miami FC in 2017. The second-year club won both the Spring and Fall seasons with a combined 21-5-6 record, allowing a league-low 28 goals in 32 games (0.88 per game) and recording 15 shutouts. Miami was eliminated in the postseason on penalty kicks by the New York Cosmos despite a shutout by Vega, who claimed the league’s Golden Glove Award that season.
After the 2018 NASL season was canceled, Miami FC competed in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) as Miami FC 2. The club won their conference with an 8-1-3 record, seeing Vega concede just five goals in 12 games. Miami FC 2 then won five consecutive playoff games en route to claiming the national championship.
Vega signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the United Soccer League (USL) in August, ultimately making 33 saves in 10 appearances during the second half of the season.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – Earthquakes sign GK Daniel Vega.
Daniel Vega
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-2
Weight: 200 lbs.
Born: June 3, 1984
Preferred Foot: Left
Hometown: Cutral Có, Neuquén, Argentina
Last Club: Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL)
College: N/A
Roster Designation: International
