With the San Jose Earthquakes well into preseason mode, it’s fair to assume that Matias Almeyda’s roster is near complete and ready to go for his debut season in MLS — at least until summertime.
Handicapped mostly by MLS’ roster rules and running contracts, the Black-and-Blue were unable to markedly transform their roster. As a result, Saturday’s starting lineup against USL affiliate, Reno 1868 FC, saw only four additions to a 2018-resembling team.
Despite the organization’s lack of noise in a star-studded MLS transfer window, Almeyda has made it clear that he has the players to make a difference in a league that saw the Quakes finish dead last in 2018. With that said, San Jose’s technical staff readily accepts that the team’s road back to triumph will rest on the effectiveness and reliability of its newest additions.
Without further ado, lets take a closer look and grade the aforementioned arrivals:
Marcos Lopez from Sporting Cristal, Reportedly $400,000 – $500,000
Highly rated out of Peru, Lopez, 19, unquestionably has the potential to emerge as general manager Jesse Fioranelli’s best case of out-of-league business since his arrival in 2017.
Technically skilled and dynamic, the left back was an instrumental piece to Los Cerveceros’ 19th league title, delivering impressive performances that ultimately made him one of Ricardo Gareca’s favorite up-and-coming Peruvians, and earning him a debut with La Blanquirroja against Germany last September.
The Callao native now finds himself in San Jose as the crystal clear starting left back with all of the tools and resources to continue a similar upward trajectory. With that said, Lopez can wind up being the Quakes’ first, contemporary contribution to MLS becoming a bonafide platform for Western-hemisphere players making a jump to the old continent.
Grade: A, half-million dollars for one of Peru’s top prospects is a genuine bargain.
Daniel Vega from Tampa Bay Rowdies, Free
With the way the contemporary domestic market operates, it’s rare to see a staple NASL/USL goalkeeper make a jump to MLS at the age of 34, especially to fill a starting spot.
In this particular case, Vega serves as a lifeline for El Pelado, who was actively searching for an experienced familiar face to take the reins of a relatively young goalkeeping corps.
In theory, it’s the logical and pragmatic move to cover the Quakes’ glaring inexperience and lack of leadership from the back. But early on, the question will remain wether Vega has the skill and capacity to succeed in a league he’s never played in at nearly 35 years of age.
Grade: C+
Cristian Espinoza from Villareal CF, Loan
The Quakes have handed their No.10 jersey to a 23-year-old who is hoping to regain a fraction of the form that once sent him to La Liga’s Villareal for nearly $8 million back in 2016.
Having scored only three goals in the last two seasons, expect the winger to play with a chip on his shoulder. Unlike other newcomers, though, Espinoza will have constant competition, with Vako, Magnus Eriksson, Danny Hoesen, and Chris Wondolowski all in the mix for minutes in the Argentine’s attack.
Perhaps the biggest benefit here, though, is that Almeyda and the Quakes — unlike Espinoza — don’t have to completely commit to a player who isn’t in the best phase of his career. In other words, it’s a win-win situation for all parties involved.
Grade: B –
Judson from Tombense, Loan
Let’s correct the misconception of Brazil’s “second division” once and for all: In terms of soccer quality, it stands as one of the top eight leagues in the Americas, for what it’s worth. Its top performing players are constantly being exported to mid-tier European leagues, and, in this case, to MLS. Acquiring a player from such league is not a regression, but a step forward in quality.
That said, Judson, who very easily could be on a Serie A (Brazil) side this season, is expected to be an integral piece of the Quakes midfield. It is understood that San Jose kept close tabs on the 25-year-old this past fall, as far as scouting him in his native Brazil.
Almeyda’s attack-heavy style should constantly challenge the holding midfielder throughout the season. However, if Judson showcases the same level of quality he did in Brazil, there’s little doubt he won’t stick around on a project-long basis.
Grade: B -, can he adapt to the league’s style of play and idiosyncrasies after a lifetime in Brazil?
Cade Cowell from Earthquakes Academy, Free
It’s the Fioranelli-era: It seems a transfer window can’t culminate without bringing a new homegrown onboard.
This time, the Quakes’ ambitious, yet calculated homegrown signing was the franchise’s youngest ever at only 15 years of age. Joining the Black-and-Blue just last September, the Central Valley prospect’s expedited move through San Jose’s academy pipelines captures the emphasis that the team is placing in its academy and local scouting.
Of course, the immediate expectations for Cowell are virtually non-existent, which will make potential cup and league game cameos that much more encouraging
Grade: B, with a grading template of its own.
