SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they have signed 2012 MLS All-Star defender Justin Morrow to a new contract. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Justin is part of a great young nucleus that we have in San Jose right now and we want to keep that group together,” said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle. “Justin has really come into his own this year. He’s a hard worker with good character and has all the attributes to have a long and successful career in MLS.”
Morrow has started and played 90 minutes in 30 of San Jose’s 31 games so far in 2012 while splitting time between left and center back. He has one goal and four assists during that stretch, including a game-winning assist against Real Salt Lake on July 14 and a game-tying helper against FC Dallas on Sept. 29.
For his efforts, the third-year Notre Dame alumnus was selected to his first MLS All-Star squad for a match against Chelsea FC at PPL Park on July 25. Morrow started that match and played 56 minutes in a 3-2 comeback win for the MLS All-Stars.
“Justin is a great example of a player who continues to work and develop and he can become one of the top defenders in our league because of it,” said Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop. “He’s an athletic player with tons of pace who has added some assists to his count this season. We’re happy to have him re-sign with us.”
During his three seasons with San Jose, Morrow has racked up a total of 42 appearances. His breakout season in 2012 has contributed to an Earthquakes team that leads the league with 61 points from an 18-6-7 record. San Jose has a magic number of one to clinch the top seed in the Western Conference and six points to secure the club’s second-ever Supporters’ Shield.
