When Yeferson Quintana, the 6-foot-4 center back from Bella Unión, Uruguay, signed with the San Jose Earthquakes on a season-long loan deal from powerhouse Peñarol earlier this year, his first thought was opportunity.
“For me, as a 21-year-old, to come here was something I really wanted, because I wanted to showcase what I have,” he told SI.com from his first MLS training camp. “I think MLS is very appealing, and for a player like me, the experience of being here and playing the game is just wonderful.”
As young as he is, his resume is impressive. Having made 29 appearances, both in the league and Copa Libertadores, Quintana won the Uruguayan league title last season and cemented his status as a young star in the making.
“Yeferson comes from an important club in Uruguay, that has won the championship and plays in Copa Libertadores,” Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli said. “He’s been there for an entire season, playing as a starter and for him this is an opportunity to take on MLS and gain experience while he’s on a loan with the opportunity for us to bind him on a longer-term commitment.”
Mikael Stahre, San Jose’s new manager, also believes Quintana can make an immediate contribution.
