SAN JOSE — The Earthquakes have found a potential answer to a defensive vacuum with the signing of Yeferson Quintana, a 21-year-old center back from Uruguay.
San Jose acquired the 6-foot-4 defender on a season-long loan with an option to buy, the team announced Wednesday, two days ahead of the Major League Soccer draft.
Quintana could be an important piece to a revamped defense ahead of the 2018 season that opens March 3. General manager Jesse Fioranelli said the newcomer gives the Quakes different defensive options.
If Quintana and other new players are successful it could free Florian Jungwirth to move into his natural position as a central midfielder.