:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/622426/GYI0060261915.jpg)
The Earthquakes made official today what had been expected for quite some time around San Jose as they waived midfielder Omar Jasseh. The Gambian appeared in only 5 games for the Quakes in one-and-a-half seasons, and failed to notch a goal or an assist in his 89 total minutes of action. This season, Jasseh played the last 13 minutes of the 2-0 away loss at Chivas USA on July 6 and the second half of the West Bromwich Albion friendly on July 12.
When Jasseh signed as a then 17-year old on April 14, 2010, he was seen as a bit of a project by the coaching staff. With lightning quick speed and a strong finish from both feet, Jasseh was given time to adjust the rigor and pace of MLS in his rookie year. Late in the preseason this year, Jasseh struggled to find his form following a hamstring injury, and spent the majority of the spring in rehabilitation. Upon achieving full fitness, Jasseh trained with the team on a regular basis, but did not impress in his two outings this month. The coaching staff openly criticized his commitment to playing on both sides of the ball, and that failure to improve his defensive skills ultimately led to his release from the team.
By waiving the Gambian midfielder, the San Jose Earthquakes collect back an International player slot on the 30 man roster. Currently at 28 players, the team has room to make more signings during the MLS summer transfer window, so that International slot might just come in handy.