Quakes acquire Arturo Alvarez from Dallas
By Jay Hipps · July 28, 2008
Arturo Alvarez returns to San Jose after three-and-a-half seasons with FC Dallas. Photo: John Todd, centerlinesoccer.com/ isiphotos.com.
Another former Earthquake is rejoining the club as San Jose today acquired midfielder/forward Arturo Alvarez from FC Dallas. In exchange, the Quakes sent an undisclosed amount of allocation money and the first round draft pick the team acquired last week from Houston, part of the exchange for Kei Kamara.
Alvarez, 23, originally came to San Jose as the team’s second round draft pick (13th overall) in the 2003 SuperDraft, and contributed a goal and an assist in the club’s MLS Cup-winning campaign his rookie season. Alvarez turned pro upon leaving high school and became the Earthquakes’ youngest player when he debuted on April 19, 2003, against Kansas City.
“Arturo is a dynamic attacking player who should fit in well with our team,” says San Jose GM John Doyle. “He can play both in midfield and at forward so he also has great versatility, which is important for us as we continue to build our team.”
Alvarez had a breakout season in 2007, notching three goals and three assists in 27 appearances and earning widespread praise for his poise in the attack. He scored the first goal in SuperLiga history against Chivas and tallied one of Dallas’ two goals in a losing effort in the U.S. Open Cup final.
“He has grown into a very good attacking player in this league and he was outstanding last season,” said Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop. “He is a great presence in the final third of the field, something that we have been lacking this year. It is exciting for the club to acquire a player of his caliber.”
Alvarez has made 10 starts with FC Dallas this year, alongside an additional six appearances as a substitute, scoring three goals and three assists.
Great pick up for the Quakes! Trading essentially Kamara for Alvarez is a winner for Doyle and Company. What do you think about the rumor floated by Ives that the Quakes are now in on Pat Noonan? If that happened, talk about a complete makeover!
Noonan is a winner who is getting edged out by New England’s new talents….Gotta love the idea of it! Like all our additions, Alvarez really seems to fit a need- frankly he seems to be the player we want Salinas to grow into (able to play wide and attack with speed provide good service and good control). The side has been given a boost of speed and attack mindedness that will pay off eventually…Noonan can be more of the glue needed to pull things together. I am still tickled we got Arturo!