San Jose Earthquakes sign first-round MLS draft pick Paul Marie

The long and drawn out saga to sign Paul Marie finally reached a happy conclusion this week, as the San Jose Earthquakes announced that they had inked the first-round MLS SuperDraft selection to a rookie contract. Marie was then immediately loaned to the Quakes’ USL affiliate Reno 1868 FC and can be recalled at any point this season.

Marie, 22, was selected at #12 overall in January’s draft following a successful college career at Florida International University. He can play at both midfielder and defender, with his projected position as a right back. Marie was expected to be a back-up to second year defender Nick Lima, so his loan to Reno will provide the rookie plenty of match action.

“In terms of how the Earthquakes play, I will do well helping the team as a right back,” Marie said on draft day. “I love to go up and down the field, doing my defensive job first, then helping offensively to create those overloads on the side. My main focus will be to give my all for the team.”

The Earthquakes had signed two other draft picks just ahead of their season opener, forwards Danny Musovski and Mohamed Thiaw, but they were unable at the time to make Marie an offer. Issues regarding the French born defender’s roster status made him eligible to be signed. When the Quakes cleared an International spot on their roster after midfielder Jahmir Hyka received his U.S. green card earlier in the week, the path was paved to sign Marie.

Each team in MLS is allowed eight players who count as Internationals on their active roster, and Marie would take that eighth spot if he plays in San Jose. His immediate loan to Reno means that Marie does not currently occupy an International spot, allowing the Earthquakes to make another international signing if and when they choose to.

In three years at Florida International, Marie featured in 52 games and recorded 14 goals and 14 assists. He was a Third Team All-America, First Team All-Southeast Region, and First Team All-Conference USA selection as a senior at FIU in 2017. Prior to his collegiate career, Marie spent time in France’s youth football program, as well as a stint with first division Ligue 1 Caen’s U-19 team.

Paul Marie

Position: Defender
Height: 5-8
Weight: 142 lbs.
Born: March 24, 1995
Hometown: Saint-Aubin-des-Bois, France
Last Club: Florida International University (NCAA)
College: Florida International University/Newberry College
Status: International