In their second trade announcement in as many days, the San Jose Earthquakes welcome Real Salt Lake midfielder Jean Alexandre to the team in exchange for a 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft selection. Alexandre, a first round selection in the 2009 MLS Super Draft, joins Shea Salinas as the newest members of the Earthquakes midfield corps.
“Jean is a very versatile attacking midfielder with a great upside and we look forward to having him here in San Jose,” said Earthquakes General Manager of Soccer Operations John Doyle.
Making a total of 19 appearances and 9 starts for RSL in 2011, the 25-year old Haitian International was utilized primarily as a defensive midfielder by head coach Jason Kreis, but did fill in as an emergency starter at forward when called on. Alexandre logged his first career MLS goal to go along with two assists during RSL’s 2011 campaign. He is entering the last year — his contract year — of his rookie four year deal in this upcoming 2012 season.
Known for his physical play, though that may be in part be as much about his size as it is from public perception, Alexandre committed 19 fouls last season alone while spending time as defensive midfielder. That physical bite centrally could benefit the Earthquakes style of play that calls for more play up the wing. Whereas sometime starters Simon Dawkins, Ramiro Corrales, and Sam Cronin in central midfield as more finesse players, Alexandre could provide more cover in front of the defensive back four as other teammates press forward to join the attack. Also, as he proved from his college days at Lynn University, where he scored 34 goals in 69 games, Alexandre has the background to fill in on offense when necessary. His ability to play at a multiple of positions should fit nicely with the vision head coach Frank Yallop has for the Earthquakes roster.
(Photo: Joe Nuxoll, centerlinesoccer.com)