SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Earthquakes defender Jason Hernandez was among 20 players taken in Wednesday’s 2014 MLS Expansion Draft. The New Jersey native will head closer to home after New York City FC used their third-round selection to select Hernandez.
Hernandez, 31, started 20 games for the Earthquakes in 2014, his seventh season with the club. He made his 200th MLS appearance during the campaign, suiting up for 90 minutes against the LA Galaxy on June 28 at Stanford Stadium. The veteran center back was a regular in the lineup for the club’s 2012 Supporters Shield and MLS Cup Playoff runs in 2010 and 2012. Hernandez is third on the club’s all-time appearance (165) and games started (161) lists and is fourth all-time in minutes played (13,859). Hernandez originally joined San Jose through the 2007 MLS Expansion Draft.
"We would like to thank Jason for all the hard work and professionalism over the past seven years," said Earthquakes General Manager John Doyle. "I was here when we brought him to the team in 2007 and he has been a big part of our organization during the past seven years. He has great character and was always ready when he was called upon. We are sad to see him go, but we wish him the best of luck as he moves onto the next stage of his career."
Orlando City FC and NYCFC each made 10 selections. Non-expansion teams could lose up to two players before they were exempt from the remainder of the draft. Following Hernandez’s selection, the Earthquakes added fellow center back Ty Harden to their protected list per draft rules. No additional San Jose players were taken.
To see the full results of today’s Expansion Draft, visit www.mlssoccer.com.
