With a handful of spots remaining on the 2012 San Jose Earthquakes roster, the team has hosted a plethora of trialists and unsigned draft choices since preseason training camp opened January 16 as part of an ongoing effort to bring the total number of players in the squad to a minimum of 28. Probably the biggest name on the list of hopefuls looking to secure an MLS contract is former Colombian international Tressor Moreno. The 33-year old well-traveled attacking midfielder last played with Chilean side Santiago Wanderers, but he is currently out of contract and available as a free agent
A proven veteran of Mexico’s Primera League with teams Necaxa, Veracruz, and San Luis, Moreno also played for the Colombian National Team from 2000 through 2007. During a club career that started in 1999 with Alianza Lima of Peru, Moreno has registered over 350 appearances and scored 83 goals. While reports have the Colombian on a decline in effectiveness, Moreno is still thought of as a solid central midfielder capable of orchestrating an offense and delivering quality service to the forward line.
Throughout the ongoing “will he/won’t he” return to San Jose saga of Tottenham’s Simon Dawkins, the Earthquakes technical staff made it clear that they were scouting other players to step in to the attacking midfielder role in the 2012 season. Moreno represents the best player that they have brought in to trial with the team, and he has looked comfortable in his short time on the Earthquakes training field. While not blessed with the speed of other newcomers Shea Salinas and Marvin Chavez, Moreno does have the vision and wherewithal to be able to connect the wingers to the forwards and being cohesion to the offensive unit. He is scheduled to work out with the Earthquakes through the end of the week, but may be invited to travel with the team or next week’s training stint in Arizona.
With only three of their seven 2012 International roster spots accounted for going into the preseason — Rafael Baca, Victor Bernardez, and Marvin Chavez — the Earthquakes have plenty of options when it comes to making player signings. Those four available roster spots can also be used as trade value if the Earthquakes decide to sign U.S. or green card holding players instead. Overall, San Jose sits in a nice position when it comes to rounding out their roster with players from overseas.
Looking ahead, if the Earthquakes are able to secure the signature of Moreno, he will join a group of offseason signings that arguably ranks among the best in MLS. Add to that the possibility that Tottenham may still come to an agreement to send Dawkins on loan to San Jose for another season, and the collective Earthquakes roster additions should prove to be a major upgrade over the squad that struggled through the 2011 season.
