San Jose Earthquakes announce Green Cards acquired for Judson, Marcos Lopez

The San Jose Earthquakes announced Friday they have secured Green Cards for midfielder Judson and defender Marcos Lopez. As a result, because they are permanent residents they will no longer count as international players on MLS rosters.

Both players have been in the United States for roughly two years, signing with San Jose ahead of the 2019 season, and both have emerged as starters for the Earthquakes.

As a result of their new immigration status, the Earthquakes announced they currently have one open international slot for their roster, with seven slots otherwise filled.

That point is important, because the Earthquakes have been looking to bolster their roster and have two open Designated Player slots. While it is possible they could sign an American/domestic player as a DP, generally DPs are foreign imports and therefore that international slot is a key piece in order to facilitate a signing and actually be able to land that player on the roster.

So, it’s possible we could see a big move soon, or if not, when the summer transfer window opens. But Quakes GM Jesse Fioranelli teased some Green Cards were coming down the pike and they got them in before the season started to ensure roster compliance. Let’s see what’s on tap next on the personnel front, but the season opens Friday at 5 pm PT against the Houston Dynamo.

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