Photo: San Jose Earthquakes
Following last Saturday’s opening weekend loss, the Earthquakes returned to San Jose in preparation for their home opener. Despite a largely familiar starting lineup against FC Dallas, the new season brought a plethora of new faces to the squad following the departures of mainstay names Cade Cowell, Jamiro Monteiro, Jonathan Mensah, and Miguel Trauco.
As we look through the new player profiles, a clear acquisition strategy emerges. For the past two seasons, GM Chris Leitch has largely targeted experienced domestic trades and experiences driven by one of the biggest analytic departments in MLS. While the additions of Preston Judd, Alfredo Morales, and William Yarborough fit the bill, the club has also expanded its search beyond the Americas. Newly announced Mikołaj Biegański, Vítor Costa, Amahl Pellegrino, and Bruno Wilson all last played for clubs in Europe. On the surface, many of these signings are reminiscent of former GM Jesse Fioranelli, someone who used his network to find good-value European players. With a high-risk/reward philosophy, Fioranelli brought in players who appeared to be incredible coups but often did not fit team dynamics. Contrary to Fioranelli, Leitch is branching across the pond with intentional criteria to gain a competitive edge in the league.
The search for young talent in South America was once the next big thing in MLS, but as clubs adapted their transfer strategies, the demand in countries like Argentina became over-saturated. To find bargains, the Earthquakes have instead set their sights on players in their primes in Europe. Around 30, it has become excessively common for clubs in Europe to offload players who are still more than capable because of UEFA Financial Fair Play Regulations (FFP). Ownerships often attempt to get some sort of return on investment before their values severely decline to be able to abide by the set budgetary framework. This ideology has allowed the Earthquakes to swoop in for players who are quality fits, have impressive experience, and are good value.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at each new Earthquake and analyze how they might fit into the squad this upcoming season.
Mikolaj Bieganski
Admittedly, the acquisition of Bieganski on loan with an option for a permanent transfer from Polish side Wisła Kraków may be the most confusing of the bunch. The Quakes already have a strong healthy goalkeeper trio. Daniel is one of the best goalkeepers in MLS, and although JT Marcinkowski may be out for the season, newly acquired William Yarborough slots in as an experienced #2, while Emi Ochoa waits in the ranks. Despite this, it is clear that Bieganski is a big talent. Fans should not disapprove of any goalkeeper with both youth international and European first-division experience. Not to mention, Poland is one of Europe’s top producers of goalkeepers.
Much like the traditional history of Polish goalkeepers, Bieganski excels at shot-stopping. In both his youth and professional career, his expected conceded goals (xCG) significantly outweighed conceded goals. While he may not look as calm in net compared to his steady Polish counterparts, his aggressive playing style and athleticism allow him to do whatever is necessary to keep the ball out of the net. Calmness should come with experience and age. Fans may scratch their heads given the current goalkeeping situation, but this signing is low-risk and driven by the same analytics team that identified Daniel. With more development, the Quakes could have a gem on their hands.
The big question?
Where does Bieganski fit into this project? It seems unlikely that the Earthquakes would bring in an international to take away minutes from Emi Ochoa for Quakes II, but with Daniel as the firm #1 and the newly acquired Yarborough, a few question marks surround Bieganski’s signing. The Earthquakes may be looking to move on either Ochoa or Daniel, both of whom could attract attractive offers. However, if there are suitors for the former MLS goalkeeper of the year, will Bieganski be ready to immediately compete for minutes?
Vítor Costa
Following the departure of Miguel Trauco, the Earthquakes completed the replacement signing of left-back Vítor Costa from second-division side Portuguese side C.S. Marítimo. Perhaps underwhelming on the surface, Costa’s underlying data is exciting, and he brings a wealth of experience from both the first and second divisions in Portugal.
Costa was a big offensive and defensive contributor for Marítimo. He boasted one of the best-tackling rates in the league and his progressive pass completion rate signals he’s able to confidently hit long diagonals. While Paul Marie has many strengths, when placed as a left-back the natural right-footer can have trouble horizontally stretching the field. New signing Costa will be able to isolate Christian Espinoza in 1v1 situations with his range and is a more “natural left-back” than Marie.
The big question?
Will Costa earn the starting role? Despite last week’s cameo, it is still unknown what part he is expected to play in the squad. At the bare minimum, Costa will be healthy competition and a further improvement to the depth of the team.
Preston Judd
The Earthquakes also acquired 6’3” striker Preston Judd from rivals Galaxy during the off-season. Before earning a first-team contract with L.A. Galaxy, the 6’3” striker from Nevada spent two years in the USL where he scored 30 goals in 55 games.
Judd offers the side different qualities than Jeremy Ebobisse. If utilized as a like-for-like substitution, Judd is a more direct target. He’s quick, strong, and can get in behind opposing lines. The Quakes will be able to stretch teams more vertically with him on the pitch. But Luchi Gonzales has also discussed utilizing Judd with Ebobisse. Judd adds much-needed attacking depth and is able to fit in different systems.
The big question?
Judd has proven he can make the jump from the USL to MLS, but we still don’t know how he will be utilized by the Earthquakes. Will Judd’s role largely be represented as a substitute used in the dying minutes, or will the young striker carve out a bigger role for himself?
Alfredo Morales
Driven by the departure of Judson, the Earthquakes acquired veteran midfielder Alfredo Morales from New York City FC. The 33-year-old American can play as a 6 or a 8, and brings a wealth of experience to the squad with 23 international caps and more than a decade of MLS and Bundesliga games.
Morales is a solid midfielder. He’s a good passer and is not afraid to get on the ball. His versatility allows him to flourish under different systems and is certainly an upgrade on Judson, who struggled to remain healthy and fit post-Almeyda.
The big question?
His salary. Morales will most likely be a serviceable midfielder this year, but comes from NYCFC where he was one of their highest earners. If the Earthquakes negotiated his contract significantly down, they have a good player on their hands who can fill different roles.
Amahl Pellegrino
While the Quakes didn’t necessarily spend extravagantly for a new LW following the departure of Cade Cowell, 33-year-old winger and two-time reigning Allsvenskan golden boot winner Amahl Pellegrino brings a new dimension to the attack. In stark physical contrast to Cowell, Pellegrino stands at a lanky 6’3” and is precise, deliberate, and accurate in his play. The Norwegian-born winger amassed 75 goals in 121 appearances for former club Bodø/Glimt, becoming a fan favorite in Norway. Pellegrino certainly has an eye for the spectacular and a highlight tape that would make any winger jealous.
You can check out our special highlight reel of his best actions here.
Beyond his bangers, Pellegrino’s interplay makes him special. He’s composed and confident, and Quakes fans should see him start and trail counterattacks rather than leading the push. Often, he’ll find space at the top of the box or poach goals off of the far post. While he’s not known for his defensive contributions, out of possession and within transitions Pellegrino is a great tackler. Given the lack of attacking options, he also might be asked to play as a second striker under Ebobisse.
The big question?
Will Pellegrino be able to translate his impressive stat line in Norway to the United States? Earthquakes fans will remember Magnus Eriksen having an up-and-down spell with the club despite a strong record in Sweden, and while Pellegrino is a vastly different profile, Nordic signings have been hit or miss in the league. Will Pellegrino add the goals and assists he has become accustomed to in the Norwegian first division, especially given the club’s need for more contributions?
Bruno Wilson
Following the departure of Jonathan Mensah, the Earthquakes were left with a missing piece in the backline. While Tanner Beason made for a suitable stand-in throughout the 2023 season, the Earthquakes can certainly improve the position. Bruno Wilson, hailing from Portugal, spent the last three years with F.C. Vizela and was signed as a free agent. The 6’4” center-back has notable experience in the Portuguese first division and boasts an impressive skillset.
Out of possession, Wilson is a strong defender with a first-rate interception and blocked shots statistics. On the ball, Wilson is calm and composed, with the ability to hit long diagonals and stretch the field. While he may not penetrate into the midfield like Rodrigues, Wilson’s presence, positioning, and defensive awareness will complement Rodrigues’ athleticism and occasional run forward. With Wilson in the backline, the Earthquakes will feel more confident in transition with numbers up the field.
The big question?
Will Wilson be fit and ready for the season? Like many of the new signings, Wilson had a limited preseason and faced visa delays. Moreover, like Costa, Wilson comes to San Jose after leaving Visela mid-season. This may bode well for short-term fitness, but especially given the overworked MLS schedule, will Wilson be expected to start every game this year?
William Yarborough
With JT Marcincowski out with an ACL injury, the Earthquakes traded their 2025 third-round superdraft pick for 34-year-old veteran goalkeeper William Yarborough from the Colorado Rapids. The 6’2” experienced goalkeeper has spent more than a decade in Liga MX and MLS and brings valuable leadership to the Quakes. While he may not be the intended starter, the signing is a solid deal for all parties involved.
The big question?
Yarborough is more than capable as a strong backup to Daniel, but his one-year contract with a club option for 2025 raises questions regarding both his and Marcincowski’s future at the club. Given Yarborough’s age and depending on Marcincowski’s recovery, one might expect the experienced goalkeeper’s stint at the club to be a short one.
Our Verdict
While the newly acquired internationals don’t have the same sexy name recognition that we’re seeing across the league, they address the roster holes that were created by recent departures. Defensive signings Costa and Wilson will bolster the backline, and Pellegrino will be one of the more exciting names to watch in the league. All three players have impressive tackling statistics and will look to surround the often overworked Gruezo with defensive prowess. With the additions of Mikolaj Bieganski, Preston Judd, Alfredo Morales, and William Yarborough, the Earthquakes are also set to have significantly more depth than last year, which becomes more important with the addition of Leagues Cup and San Jose’s decision to play as one of only eight MLS teams in the US Open Cup
Despite the positive additions, it’s no secret that the Earthquakes are still looking for their star 10. The departure of Jamiro Monteiro in the offseason frees up salary space, but designated player (DP) caliber midfielders are notoriously hard to come by in the winter window. If the Earthquakes are looking at top leagues in Europe, it is likely they wait until the summer window when clubs will have a better understanding of their league position. Although there is a chance a deal comes to fruition before the start of the season, the structure of this year’s roster allows for greater tactical flexibility. Jack Skahan and Nico Tsakaris can fill in as more traditional 10s, but it is possible that Luchi Gonzales will utilize new signings Amahl Pellegrino and Preston Judd as a second striker off of Ebobisse.
Recently, rumors have circulated the league speculating advanced talks between Mexican attacker Carlos Vela and the Quakes.
The 35-year-old, although historically played as a winger, is extremely versatile and would most likely slot in as a second striker with the freedom to roam if signed. The acquisition of Vela would represent a departure from the budget-friendly, practical approach that has dominated not only this transfer window, but the entire tenure of John Fisher. A star-name known around the world would be wearing a Quakes jersey. Home matches would be packed to the brim and jersey sales would go through the roof. Sure, questions regarding his defensive abilities, fitness, and age are all valid. But his offensive productivity and ability to make something “special” happen? That could be invaluable, despite the concerns. There’s something to be said about having a preconceived plan, but when opportunity comes knocking, you don’t want to miss it.
Underlying statistics and film sessions can only tell so much about a player. Rumors and advanced talks only mean so much. There are still many questions surrounding the new and potential signings and only time can tell. Luckily for us, the season is just beginning. Let’s set a reminder to check back soon.
