Photo by Bill Barrett/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
Khari Stephenson is officially once again a member of the Earthquakes.
San Jose announced Tuesday that it has brought back Stephenson a year after he left to play for Real Salt Lake. The 33-year-old Jamaican midfielder with experience playing in Europe and MLS played for the Earthquakes from August 2010 to the end of the 2012 campaign, compiling eight goals and eight assists in 69 regular season matches.
Additionally, the Earthquakes announced that they waived midfielder Walter Martinez. The Honduran international, 31, scored two goals and assisted on two others in 15 appearances for San Jose last season.
Both moves come on the day the club is set to open its 2014 schedule with a CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals first leg battle with Toluca at Buck Shaw Stadium.
What do you think of the Earthquakes bringing back Stephenson? Expecting him to make a big impact this season? Surprised they parted ways with Martinez?
Share your thoughts below.
Shoutout to NESCAC baby!
Stephenson would have been good last year. I would never have traded him away to Real Salt Lake. He might help the game against Real Salt Lake because he knows what they are capable of. He was a real entity when he played for the Earthquakes in 2912. It’s good to have someone a little taller in the midfield. So, I think it’s a good move.
i will forever tell this story of Khari Stephenson:
Went to look at Trinity College/their soccer team my senior year in HS. They happened to be playing Williams, and they had a hoss of a guy in the midfield. Late in the first half he unleashed a 35-40 yard blast into the upper 90 that made me reconsider my ability to play, even at that level.
Thanks Khari!
Walter Martinez is name enough a player I’m surprised he wasn’t traded onwards, regardless of underperformance.
I doubt Khari has a big impact this season, but I do see him providing experienced cover for Cronin and JBP in the middle of the field. Cutting Martinez wasn’t much of a loss. He lacked the speed we’re looking for in our wing players and the bite we need in the center of the field. Khari is certainly a more physical presence.