Many former San Jose Earthquakes Academy players currently compete in the college ranks and are scattered around the nation at various top universities, including Stanford, Cal, Georgetown, Harvard, Yale and more.
With the NCAA tournament around the corner and regular seasons wrapping up, here are a few Academy products that have had strong 2017 campaigns:
JT Marcinkowski – Georgetown
At this point, every Quakes fan should be aware of the name JT Marcinkowski. He has proved to be an elite goalkeeper at the college level and even competed in the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup for the United States. Marcinkowski, from Alamo, Calif., has played every minute in goal for the Hoyas this season, allowing just 11 goals in 17 matches (0.63 avg.) and keeping eight shutouts en route to a 12-3-2 record. Their next match will be in the BIG EAST Championship semifinal on Wednesday, Nov. 8, opponent TBD.
Amir Bashti – Stanford
Amir Bashti, a native of Cupertino, has been one of the most highly publicized products of the Quakes Academy. After all, his participation in the U.S. Youth National Team system and back-to-back National Championships at Stanford aren’t exactly commonplace.
As a junior in 2017, Bashti has had a breakout season. He has appeared in all 15 games and tallied four goals, third most on the team, and two assists. The Cardinal have a spectacular 12-2-1 record, including an undefeated 6-0-1 record in conference play. Stanford’s next match is tonight at home against UCLA. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
Philip Hausen – Harvard
While the Harvard men’s soccer team hasn’t had a season to remember, carrying a 2-8-4 overall record into their final two games (Nov. 5 at Columbia and Nov. 11 at Penn), sophomore Philip Hausen has been a bright spot. Hausen has started 13 of the team’s 14 games, leading the Crimson in both goals (3) and assists (3). He hails from Redwood City and attended Menlo High School.
Andrew Paoli – UCLA
True freshman Andrew Paoli has been a consistent contributor for one of the nation’s most prestigious soccer programs. Despite being just 18 years old, he has appeared in 12 of the Bruins’ 15 games to date, earning starts in three of the last six. Paoli is from San Jose and attended Leigh HS.
UCLA has three conference games remaining, including tonight’s 5:30 showdown at Stanford.
Drake Callender – Cal
After spending much of his freshman season as the backup behind U.S. U-20 National Team goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, Drake Callender has emerged as the starter for the Golden Bears in his sophomore season. He has started 13 of the team’s 14 games to date, carrying an 8-5-0 record and keeping five shutouts. Callender, from Fair Oaks, has made 58 saves this season, including a ridiculous nine in a 2-1 win over Portland on Sept. 9.
Cal has three conference games remaining, taking on San Diego State at 3:30 p.m. today.
John-Austin Ricks – Syracuse
Sophomore John-Austin Ricks, who plays both in the midfield and on defense, has started 13 games this season. He has scored three goals, tied for third most on the team, including tallies in back-to-back games against Oregon State and Louisville back in September.
The Orange finished with a 6-8-4 overall record and were eliminated from the ACC Championship on penalties last night against Clemson. Ricks hails from Diablo, Calif.
Honorable Mention
Josh Morton – Senior defender at Cal (13 GP, 13 GS, 1 assist)
Christopher Grey – Freshman defender at Cal (12 GP, 8 GS, 1 assist)
Jonathan Partida – Junior midfielder at SJSU (13 GP, 12 GS, 3 assists)
Zach Penner – Junior forward at SJSU (15 GP, 2 GS, 2 goals, 2 assists)
Bryce Clark – Senior midfielder at SMU (15 GP, 15 GS, 3 assists)
Rei Dorwart – Sophomore forward at Cal State Fullerton (18 GP, 4 GS, 1 goal)
