San Jose Earthquakes sign draft picks Mohamed Thiaw and Danny Musovski to rookie contracts

The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they have signed two of their four MLS SuperDraft selections, forwards Daniel Musovski and Mohamed Thiaw, to rookie contracts. Both rookies have been added directly to the club’s 2018 roster, increasing the number of players under contract to 28, and will count as domestic players.

“We felt very fortunate to be able to select both Danny and Mo at the MLS SuperDraft,” said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli in a club statement. “Both players earned contracts with their impressive play this preseason and we believe in their growth potential as professionals.”

Musovski, selected at #30 overall, played college soccer at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he was a four-year starter and two-time All-America selection. He finished his career at UNLV with 47 goals and 23 assists in 88 total appearances. In the summer of 2016, Musovski also featured for San Jose’s now defunct USL PDL affiliate Burlingame Dragons FC, adding six goals for the local club.

Thiaw, selected at #35 overall, five picks after Musovski, featured as a striker for the University of Louisville last year. The Senegal native, who is a now a U.S. citizen, played two seasons with Cincinnati State before transferring to Louisville. In four total collegiate seasons, the 6’2” forward scored an impressive 61 goals and 20 assists.

So far this preseason, both players have been consistent performers in training sessions and scrimmages. Thiaw has seen more minutes in the Quakes preseason games, playing the last half hour of the team’s 4-0 victory over Reno 1868 FC earlier this month. Musovski and Thiaw will both join Reno on one year loans, the Earthquakes USL affiliate, as they continue to develop their skills as strikers. The terms of the loan deals allow both players to move back and forth between the two clubs.

The situation regarding the Quakes first round draft selection, midfielder Paul Marie, is turning out to be a bit more complicated. Marie, born and raised in France, nearly signed a professional contract in that country when he was a youth player for Les Blues. He played four years of college soccer, the last three at Florida International, so he has spent considerable time in the United States; however, there are questions regarding his potential roster status as a domestic versus an international player. Marie, if signed, would be the back-up to second-year right back Nick Lima.

“We are sorting out the last details regarding his eligibility,” Fioranelli indicated on Tuesday when discussing the team’s roster compliance, “but that is going to be done in the next couple of weeks.”

Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes sign 2018 SuperDraft selections F Danny Musovski and F Mohamed Thiaw.

Danny Musovski (muss-OV-ski)
Position: Forward
Height: 6-0
Weight: 160 lbs.
Born: Nov. 30, 1995
Hometown: Henderson, Nev.
Last Club: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (NCAA)
College: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Roster Designation: Domestic

Mohamed Thiaw (chow)
Position: Forward
Height: 6-2
Weight: 176 lbs.
Born: Jan. 24, 1995
Hometown: Lexington, Ky.
Last Club: University of Louisville (NCAA)
College: University of Louisville/Cincinnati State
Roster Designation: Domestic