San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Shea Salinas signed a multi-year contract with San Jose on Tuesday. The move will keep the speedy winger in San Jose for the foreseeable future.
Why the Shea Salinas Re-signing is a Great Move
Shea Salinas is a proven player in his prime. The 29-year-old is San Jose’s co-leader in assists this season with forward Quincy Amarikwa at three apiece. Salinas is also the active assists leader for San Jose players with 31.
The move will certainly help Quakes forward/captain Chris Wondolowski progress towards Landon Donovan’s all-time MLS goals mark of 144 (Wondo currently sits at 116). Salinas is known for his speed, dribbling, and accurate crosses to the two-time Golden Boot recipient. It’s probably no mistake that the Quakes locked up Salinas soon after resigning Wondo to a multi-year deal in May.
The signing provides veteran stability for the Earthquakes midfield. San Jose has had a revolving door of midfielders for the past several seasons, a problem that has plagued San Jose’s development as a title contender. Since 2013, San Jose has failed to make the playoffs. The uncertain futures of midfielders Matias Perez Garcia and Alberto Quintero could perpetuate this problem. This is why a Salinas signing makes sense. With Salinas and fellow midfielder Simon Dawkins expected to be in San Jose for the next several years, head coach Dom Kinnear has the continuity needed at midfield to build his team.
The deal also provides guidance for the Earthquakes youth. San Jose has invested in younger midfielders like Fatai Alashe, Marc Pelosi, Matheus Silva, Tommy Thompson and Cordell Cato, all of whom are less than 24 years old. Salinas’ veteran experience and leadership can help them grow their game to be successful at the MLS level.
Expect Salinas to continue to rack up his assists total and be an offensive spark off the bench. If Wondo breaks Landon’s record, Shea Salinas will be part of that legacy.
