SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has acquired 21-year-old center back Yeferson Quintana on a season-long loan with an option to buy, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC.
“Yeferson fits the profile of the player we wanted to add at this position,” said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. “His arrival will also give us different options as to how our defense will line up next season. Yeferson has a strong presence in both phases of the game, which makes him an important addition to our defensive line. He’s already won a championship with a renowned club such as Peñarol and participated in Copa Libertadores. Considering that he’s just 21 years old, we look forward to his contribution in the future wearing black and blue.”
Quintana joins San Jose from Uruguayan power Peñarol. During the 2017 season, Quintana tallied three goals and two assists in 29 appearances across all competitions, while helping his side win the championship with a 26-3-8 regular-season record and consecutive postseason wins against second-place Defensor Sporting. Peñarol possessed the league’s most stifling defense, allowing just 26 goals in 37 games (.70 goals per game), nine fewer than any other team.
In addition to his success domestically during the season, Quintana also made three appearances for Peñarol during the 2017 Copa Libertadores, the most prestigious club competition in South American football. He also tallied an assist in the competition against Palmeiras, champions of Brazil’s top-flight in 2016.
Quintana began his youth career at Deportivo Tropezón Board in his hometown of Bella Unión, Uruguay before joining the academy of Peñarol in 2013. After a temporary call-up to the First Team in September 2015 at 18 years old, he signed his first professional contract with the club in the summer of 2016.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – Earthquakes acquire D Yeferson Quintana on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
Yeferson Quintana
Position: Defender
Height: 6-4
Weight: 196 lbs.
Born: April 19, 1996
Hometown: Bella Unión, Artigas, Uruguay
Last Club: Peñarol (Uruguay)
College: N/A
Roster Designation: International
