San Jose Earthquakes’ Homegrown Players always have a special connection to the club and its fanbase. You can hear it in the roar of the crowd during starting lineup reads or the attendance of various meet-and-greets around the South Bay: this community loves its local products and their admiration for Nick Lima and Tommy Thompson proves it.
Tonight marks another momentous day for the Quakes Academy, as Homegrown goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski takes his place between the goal posts for the first time in an MLS match.
Marcinkowski, 21, is the third Homegrown player to feature for the club, the first as a goalkeeper, and the second youngest keeper to start for San Jose in its history (Andy Kirk – 20; 1998). He previously suited up for the Quakes against Manchester United in a friendly at Levi’s Stadium, but never before in meaningful competition.
The former Georgetown Hoya has served as Reno 1868 FC’s primary goalkeeper this season, keeping five clean sheets in 24 starts and earning nominations for USL Fans' Choice Save of the Week four times. His strong play has led Reno to a 12-7-9 record and a promising outlook as the USL playoffs approach.
He also served as the MLS Homegrown team’s starting goalkeeper against the Tigres U-20s and made a couple spectacular saves in his 45 minutes of work.
Catch tonight’s match live on UniMas, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF. Kickoff is at 7:45 p.m.
