SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has signed veteran defender Ramiro Corrales and forward Mike Fucito. Per league and team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Corrales, 35, is the last remaining active player from the inaugural 1996 MLS season and will join the Earthquakes in 2013 as a player-coach. The club record holder in appearances, games started and minutes played has spent 11 seasons in San Jose, including two years with the Clash in 1996 and 1997. He ranks fifth in club history with 30 assists and is ninth in goals with 16.
"Ramiro has proven over the years that he's an excellent player in our league and on our team. We’re excited to have him for this season and beyond,” said Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop.
The Salinas native had one of the best seasons in his career in 2012, finishing with two goals and seven assists – his second-best output in 14 MLS campaigns. Corrales started 19 of his 22 games, helping the Earthquakes to the club’s second Supporters’ Shield trophy. He was also a part of the club’s MLS Cup runs in 2001 and 2003.
“We’re happy to keep Ramiro on the field because I think he still has a lot to offer. It’s also a great opportunity for him to transition into a role on the technical staff as a player-coach,” said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle.
The club also inked a deal with feisty forward Mike Fucito. The Earthquakes acquired the right of first refusal to Fucito from the Portland Timbers on Jan. 17, 2013 in exchange for a second round pick in this year’s SuperDraft. Fucito appeared in 12 games for Portland during the 2012 MLS regular season. The four-year MLS veteran has played 36 career regular-season matches for Seattle Sounders FC (2009-11), Montreal (2012) and Portland (2012), recording three goals and two assists.
"Mike’s the type of player that we like,” Yallop said. “He's hard working, aggressive and I always liked him from his days in Seattle. To see him on our team is great."
The former Harvard standout was a two-time NSCAA All-American for the Crimson. He led his squad to the NCAA Tournament in three of his four years and was a finalist for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award.
“Mike plays with the kind of energy that we’re looking for,” Doyle said. “We saw a lot of good things when he was in Seattle. He’s a smart player and we look forward to him providing a spark for us.”
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – San Jose Earthquakes sign D Ramiro Corrales to new contract.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – San Jose Earthquakes sign F Mike Fucito.
Ramiro Corrales
Position: Defender
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180
Born: March 12, 1977 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Hometown: Salinas, Calif.
College: None
Citizenship: USA
Mike Fucito
Position: Forward
Height: 5-9
Weight: 165
Born: March 29, 1986 in Westford, Mass.
Hometown: Westford, Mass.
College: Harvard
Citizenship: USA
