SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes announced Monday that the team has signed defender Mike Zaher to a developmental contract. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"Mike is a skillful left back who understands the game," said General Manager of Soccer Operations John Doyle. "He gets into the attack well and serves a good ball. We are glad to add him to the team."
The 5-10 defender comes to San Jose after spending his first season in Major League Soccer last year with D.C. United. He appeared in three league matches with United and eight games in all competitions. He also made ten appearances for the reserve squad, starting nine of those games.
The UCLA product was originally drafted 30th overall in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto F.C. and was traded in early April to D.C. United in exchange for a first round Supplemental Draft pick.
As a senior in 2007 at UCLA, Zaher served as a team co-captain and started all 21 matches for the Bruins. He finished his senior season second on the team with four goals, and also tallied three assists. He took home third-team NSCAA All-Far West and First-Team All Pac-10 honors for the second time in his career, and was also a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, which honors seniors who excel both on and off the field.
Throughout his four-year college career, Zaher saw action in 69 games, starting 51 of those in defense. He scored seven goals and notched eight assists in his Bruin career, garnering the team's Defensive MVP in 2007 as a junior. He also played for the PDL's San Fernando Valley Quakes from 2006-2007 during the summers while also at UCLA. He scored one goal and notched three assists for the Quakes in his 21 games played.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) - Earthquakes sign D Mike Zaher to a developmental contract.
Mike Zaher #23
Position: Defender
Height: 5-10
Weight: 165 lbs
Born: September 24, 1985 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev.
Last Club: D.C. United
College: UCLA
Citizenship: USA
