On December 14, the Earthquakes made a major organizational move by signing three players from the team’s USL affiliate Reno 1868 FC. Luis Felipe, Jimmy Ockford and Chris Wehan were three of the top-performing players during the 2017 USL season and we all rewarded with MLS contracts in San Jose.
The move signaled and confirmed the Quakes’ intention to find young, high-potential players, give them an opportunity and reap the rewards. Luis Felipe is a 22-year-old former U.S. youth international with Brazilian pedigree. Ockford, the only one of the three with prior MLS experience, was Reno’s leader on the backline. Wehan was named the USL Rookie of the Year and Assists Champion after going undrafted out of the University of New Mexico. All three will be donning Quakes’ kits in 2018.
“Obviously, the partnership has shown that there is a partnership there,” said Wehan following the team’s training session in Tucson, Arizona. “Some organizations, it’s similar and some it’s not. I’m fortunate to be here, and I’m sure those two guys feel the same way.
“You go in and work hard and you’re successful and you buy into coach Ian [Russell] and everything they got going there and the opportunity may present itself.”
All three will be looking to make an impact with San Jose this coming season and their first test at Avaya Stadium will be some familiar faces, as the Quakes host Reno 1868 FC on Saturday, Feb. 10.
“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Ockford. “It’s going to be cool to see a lot of the guys again. It’s pretty much a similar core group that we had last year, so I’m excited to see how they’re doing this season. It will be a good, intense match.”
Only time will tell what the three players will contribute in 2018, but the determination the three players showed to get where they are today will certainly add heart and passion to the club. Don’t be surprised if they push for playing time as the season rolls on.
“I want to get the chance to play in as many games as I can and win games,” said Luis Felipe.
Tickets are still available for Saturday’s contest. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
