Ceres native Cade Cowell will wear jersey number 44 during his first season with the San Jose Earthquakes.

The Earthquakes will begin the 2019 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign this Saturday when they host the Montreal Impact at Avaya Stadium.

Cade, who is just 15 years old, will find out today if he’ll suit up for the game this weekend or play for San Jose’s under-19 squad or United Soccer League affiliate Reno 1868 FC.

“My first goal is to get on the field (with the first team) as quick as possible,” he said during an interview with Jake Pisani of SJEarthquakes.com.

“I still have to get used to being a professional soccer player,” added Cowell, a 5-foot-9 154-pound forward.

“His time will come,” said Debin Cowell, Cade’s father. “He just needs to keep developing.”

Cowell had more than a dozen family members in the stands during San Jose’s final preseason match at home on Feb. 23. The Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders FC battled to a 2-2 tie.

Cade didn’t log any playing time but interacted with fans after the game.

“People were yelling his name,” Debin said. “He was taking pictures and signing autographs. It was pretty neat to see.”

Cowell signed a five-year contract with San Jose in January.

He started training with the Earthquakes in 2018.

Cowell split practice time between San Jose’s first team and development academy.

“Last year, I was blown away when someone told me Cade was 14,” said Quakes teammate Shea Salinas, a 12th-year veteran in the MLS. “I thought he was 18 or 19. He’s built. He’s fast. It’s just shocking that he’s only 15 and able to do the things that he does.”

Cowell plays the same position as San Jose all-time leading goal scorer Chris Wondolowski.

He rooted for Wondolowski from the stands at Avaya Stadium prior to becoming his teammate.

“I’ve learned a lot from Chris Wondolowski on his work ethic and how he communicates with everyone on the field, his leadership,” Cade said.

“Now, they’re buddies,” Debin said. “He’s Cade’s mentor on the team. It’s surreal. You see these people on TV. Now, they’re hanging out with him.”

Cowell is the youngest player signing in Earthquakes and Bay Area team sports history. “Cade has a bright future ahead of him and it is up to him how far he will go,” Earthquakes head coach Matias Almeyda said.