The San Jose Earthquakes announced the acquisition of Panamanian midfielder Alberto Quintero today. This signing causes several roster problems for the Quakes and could jeopardize the future of Earthquakes designated player/midfielder Matias Perez Garcia.
Alberto Quintero’s signing puts the total Earthquakes roster at the maximum 28 players. This leaves no room to sign standout third-round pick, right-back Kip Colvey, who continued his preseason shut-out streak while producing an assist at Sacramento and setting up a Mark Sherrod goal during today’s match versus San Francisco City FC. In order to accommodate Colvey and Quintero, a player will have to be cut.
Alberto Quintero’s Arrival Bad News for Matias Perez Garcia
Despite being a starting midfielder and designated player, Matias Perez Garcia would be the most logical option to be cut by week’s end. Perez Garcia has not played well this preseason, which has relegated the DP central-attacking midfielder to second-team duty. Quintero also plays central-attacking midfield, both of whom are expected to play off the bench behind midfielder Simon Dawkins. The Quakes are also over the designated player limit and must trim their roster to three DPs. Cutting Perez Garcia not only frees up salary and roster/bench space for Quintero and Colvey, it also solves the DP dilemma.
There is a glimmer of hope for Perez Garcia. Right-wing/right-back Cordell Cato is expected to be out several weeks due to injury, and forward Steven Lenhart is still on the roster despite not suiting up in over a year. Cutting Lenhart and renegotiating Perez’s contract to a non-DP contract would allow the Argentinian midfielder to stay with San Jose and fill the gap left by Cato. The question is: would Perez Garcia be willing to take pay cut in order to sit on the bench behind Dawkins and try to regain his starting spot, or will he take his money and look for a new team? Expect the answer in a few days.
Main Photo:
