Earthquakes launch development team

• by Soccer America , Oct 28, 2013

[PDL] The San Jose Earthquakes became the fourth MLS club to form a PDL team when they announced they'll field a team in the development league next summer.

The Earthquakes, who will compete in the Western Conference in 2014, join the Chicago Fire, Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps.

They will announce their PDL affiliate’s home location and coaching staff at a later date.

Three additional MLS clubs also have partnership agreements with PDL franchises: Philadelphia Union (Reading United AC), Seattle Sounders FC (Sounders FC U-23) and New England Revolution (Real Boston Rams).

“We are delighted to add the Earthquakes to the PDL,” USL President Tim Holt said. “The PDL has become a true proving ground for college-age players in the United States and Canada, with MLS clubs making homegrown Player signings of those who have come through their PDL clubs. We expect the Earthquakes will take advantage of similar opportunities in the near future as their academy players graduate into the U-23 ranks.”