Gjertsen signing finally official

Center Line Soccer has learned that the San Jose Earthquakes have completed the signing of midfielder/forward Joey Gjertsen, 27, from the Montreal Impact. Gjertsen’s move has been expected since a Montreal paper reported over three weeks ago that the former USL MVP was leaving the Quebec club, but the move had not been made official until today.

Gjertsen’s best year as a pro came in 2006, when he earned USL MVP honors following a 12 goal, 7 assist season with the Vancouver Whitecaps. He was traded to the impact in 2007 and earned a USL Championship with the side in 2009, although his numbers with Montreal never matched his production on Canada’s West Coast.

“I’ve seen Joey play for the last three or four years in the USL, good player, won the USL player of the year with Vancouver,” Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop told Center Line Soccer on the opening day of training camp. “He went to Montreal and I don’t think he really expressed himself there — I think he’s a better player than he showed. We have a chance to bring him on board. He’s versatile, can play up top or out wide, and losing Shea (Salinas) we’re trying to cover that spot. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, whatever it is, he has that in him. I’m excited to have him in.”

Courtesy of YouTube, here’s a selection of Gjertsen highlights. Oh, and if you’re wondering, it’s pronounced JERT-sen.