On the brink of starting their preseason, the San Jose Earthquakes made a trio of signings on Friday.
The Earthquakes announced that the club has signed defenders Brandon Barklage(pictured above) and Shaun Francis – both of whom were selected in last month's MLS Re-Entry Draft Stage 2 – as well as goalkeeper Bryan Meredith. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Barklage, 27, had two goals and 10 assists during his five years in MLS. He began his career with D.C. United as a third-round pick in the 2009 SuperDraft. He made 11 appearances during his three years in the nation’s capital before signing with the New York Red Bulls in March 2012. Barklage became a regular with the squad during his two years in New York, making 45 appearances while recording all of his career goals and assists.
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Francis, 27, is a four-year MLS veteran with experience as a member of the Jamaican national team. He has four assists in 29 appearances during his career. Francis was taken by the Columbus Crew in the fourth round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. He began 2013 as a member of the Charlotte Eagles in USL PRO before signing with the Chicago Fire on July 10.
Meredith, 24, was a second-round pick (29th overall) in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by the Seattle Sounders. He spent 2011 and 2012 with Seattle before moving on to IK Brage in Sweden. Meredith made 12 appearances for Sounders FC in 2012, picking up three shutouts in the process. He also spent time with the New York Cosmos in 2013, but did not make an appearance.
