The San Jose Earthquakes have been laying the groundwork for a successful 2020 Major League Soccer season. With many moves still to come, here are the transactions that have taken place to date:
PLAYERS OUT
Anibal Godoy– A longtime staple in the Quakes midfield, the Panama international saw his role decrease in 2019 with the acquisition of Judson and rise of young American phenom Jackson Yueill. Godoy was traded to expansion side Nashville SC in August for $650,000 of General Allocation Money, which will be effective on Jan. 1, 2020. Pundits around the league widely considered it to be a shrewd bit of business by Quakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. This was further validated when Nashville later acquired veteran Dax McCarty for a measly $100,000, half of which was the less valuable Targeted Allocation Money, and a 2021 second-round SuperDraft pick.
Drake Callender– While not a rostered player, the Earthquakes held the Homegrown Rights of University of California goalkeeper Drake Callender. Those rights were traded to expansion side Inter Miami CF in exchange for the first pick in the second round of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft and up to $150,000 of General Allocation Money through incentives. The acquisition gives San Jose five selections in the SuperDraft, which has been helpful in stockpiling prospects for the club’s affiliate in Reno.
PLAYERS IN
Casey Walls – The Earthquakes first of two Homegrown signings, 16-year-old defender Casey Walls hails from Mill Valley, Calif. Walls was born in London and briefly played above his age in Chelsea’s youth academy before moving to the Bay Area. He currently competes for the U.S. U-16 National Team and recently helped them win a four-team tournament that also included the older U.S. U-17s, Turkey and the Netherlands.
Emi Ochoa – The Earthquakes second of two Homegrown signings, 14-year-old goalkeeper Emmanuel ‘Emi’ Ochoa of Salinas turned heads for signing a professional contract at such a young age. Ochoa currently competes for the U.S. U-15 National Team and is lauded as one of the premier young netminders in the country. Don’t expect him to make an impact for the first team soon, however, as the Quakes are playing the long game with his development.
NEW CONTRACTS
Chris Wondolowski – The man who needs no introduction and currently holds MLS’ all-time scoring record is coming back in 2020. Once on the fence about whether 2019 would be his final season, 15 more goals and a continuing passion to play under head coach Matias Almeyda saw him sign a one-year extension with San Jose.
Florian Jungwirth – Jungwirth has earned the club’s Defender of the Year award in two of his three seasons with the Quakes. His multi-year extension was announced on Oct. 24.
Judson – One of the main reasons Anibal Godoy was expendable was the acquisition and play of Brazilian Judson. Playing under the cloud of a one-year loan, Judson impressed as one of the league’s top ball-winning defensive midfielders and was rewarded with a permanent transfer and multi-year contract.
Gilbert Fuentes– A member of the U.S. U-17 National Team, Gilbert Fuentes was out of contract following a two-year Homegrown deal he signed at 15. The now 17-year-old will be heading into his third professional season looking to build on the work he’s accomplished in San Jose and Reno.
Eric Calvillo– Like Fuentes, Calvillo is young, talented midfielder whose best playing days are ahead of him. Still only 21 years old, Calvillo now has four years of pro soccer under his belt (NY Cosmos – 2016-17; SJ – 2018-19).
Later this week, all teams are required to submit to the league which players’ options will be exercised, and which will not. Players whose options are declined may still negotiate a new contract and are not necessarily departing the club. The Waiver Draft (Nov. 25 at 12 p.m. PT), Free Agency (Nov. 25 at 12 p.m. PT) and Re-Entry Draft Stage One (Nov. 26 at 12 p.m. PT) will all be held or begin next week for eligible players.
More information on the 2019 MLS offseason calendar can be found here.
