The San Jose Earthquakes announced the signing of a pair of defenders on Friday, including center back Ty Harden and right back Dan Gargan. Per league and team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
“Both Dan and Ty are veterans who know the league well,” said Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop. “They’re solid, dependable players who will help manage our additional workload this season with CONCACAF Champions League games to play. We’re happy to have them in the fold.”
Gargan, 30, is a seven-year MLS veteran who spent his last two seasons as a member of the Chicago Fire. The right back has two goals and eight assists in 123 career appearances while splitting time with the Colorado Rapids (2005-08), Chivas USA (2008), Toronto FC (2010-11) and Chicago Fire (2011-12). He was a regular starter for the Fire and helped the club reach the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2012 as well as the 2011 U.S. Open Cup Final. The former All-Big East selection was a co-captain for the Georgetown Hoyas in college.
Harden, 28, is a five-year MLS veteran who spent his last three years with Toronto FC. The 6-foot-1 center back has 74 appearances and 64 starts during his career. Current Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop drafted Harden to play for the LA Galaxy in 2007 where the lanky center back started 24 games during his rookie season. After taking a year off from soccer, Harden returned in 2009 as a member of the Colorado Rapids before joining Toronto FC in 2010. In college, Harden captained the Washington Huskies and was a four-year starter in college.
“We’re excited to have both of these guys. They add depth to our roster and will challenge for starting spots,” said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle.
Dan Gargan
Position: Defender
Height: 5-11
Weight: 175
Born: Dec. 14, 1982 in Philadelphia, Penn.
Hometown: Philadelphia, Penn.
College: Georgetown
Citizenship: USA
Twitter: @RealDanGargan
Ty Harden
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 190
Born: March 6, 1984 in Norman, Okla.
Hometown: Junction City, Ore.
College: Washington
Citizenship: USA
