In what has been overshadowed by the San Jose Earthquakes collection of four selections in the recent MLS SuperDraft, all exciting prospects but all unsigned heading into preseason, is the acquisition of midfielder Eric Calvillo.
Just 20 years old and and with extensive experience within the ranks of U.S. youth national team soccer, Calvillo eschewed college and signed his first professional contract, with the NASL’s New York Cosmos, when he was 18. He struggled to find playing time in his rookie season, but his patience paid off, and by last summer, he was a mainstay in the Cosmos midfielder en-route to the team’s runner-up finish in the league’s championship match.
The Palmdale, California native parlayed that success to get the attention of the Earthquakes technical staff, and last weekend, a deal was completed that brought Calvillo to San Jose in exchange for an undisclosed transfer fee.
With two professional seasons already under his belt, Calvillo will have an advantage over the other potential Quakes rookies this season in making the gameday roster. His complete video highlights package from his time with the Cosmos reveals a player that is comfortable on the ball with either foot, is not afraid to get involved in the attack from his midfielder position, and is grounded in his responsibilities on the defensive side of the ball when necessary.
According to Charles Boehm, features writer for MLSSoccer.com, on the importance of the acquisition of Calvillo, “This one is flying under the radar.” The newest Earthquakes player brings the tools and experience to San Jose that may very well allow him to compete for minutes in the first team.