Ceres native Chance Cowell moved to Utah this past month to begin the next chapter of his professional soccer career.

Real Salt Lake acquired the 17-year-old forward from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for up to $650,000 in future General Allocation Money, pending certain performance-based incentives achieved prior to June of 2030.

The two Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs also swapped 2027 third-round SuperDraft picks.

The Earthquakes will retain a percentage of Cowell’s future sell-on rights via transfer or trade as well.

“It was pretty sudden,” he said while talking about the experience of getting traded. “When I found out, I was home in Ceres. I’m very excited. I’m ready to start my next chapter. I’m definitely living a dream.”

Cowell will be a member of Real Salt Lake’s USL affiliate, the Real Monarchs, to start the 2026 season.

“I’m not with the First Team yet,” he said. “If I’m performing well, maybe I get pulled up. It will come down to me doing the right things.”

Cowell has been splitting practice time with the Real Monarchs and Real Salt Lake at the Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman, Utah.

The $78-million facility has two full-size indoor fields, five natural-grass outdoor fields, a 5,000-seat stadium, weight, training and locker rooms, player dormitories, a STEM charter high school, and other amenities.

Cowell will graduate from California Online Public School this December.

He’s completing his education through independent study.

“We’re still in preseason right now,” Cowell said. “Our first game for the Second Team is March 1. I feel like I’m fitting in pretty well.”

“It’s super cold over here,” he added. “It’s harder to breathe because of the altitude. I’m pretty close to being used to it. It was so hard the first week.”

Cowell signed a contract with the Earthquakes at the age of 14 in May of 2023.

He made his pro debut at the age of 16 for the Earthquakes’ MLS NEXT Pro Team, The Town FC, against Minnesota United FC 2 in August of 2024.

He totaled two goals and two assists while making 29 appearances in two seasons with The Town FC.

He started 12 times.

“I’m very thankful for everyone that has taken me under their wing and helped me throughout the time I have been there,” Cowell said. 

“I’ve changed quite a bit,” he added. “I have more confidence. I’m more focused on my surroundings off the ball. There are still a lot of things I need to work on.”

Prior to signing with San Jose, Cowell suited up for the Sacramento Republic FC Academy. He logged playing time on the U14, U15 and U17 teams. Chance joined the Academy in April of 2021.

“The club gave me every opportunity to shine and I wouldn’t be here without them,” he said.

A dual citizen of the United States and Mexico, Cowell has been called up by both federations at various youth levels. 

He’s suited up for the Red, White & Blue at the under-17, U-16 and U-15 age groups, and for El Tri on its U-15 National Team.

“Obviously, there’s a big responsibility,” Cowell said while talking about the challenges that come with being a professional athlete. “There are always eyes on you. I’m going to keep my head down and keep working.”

Cowell started playing soccer at the age of four.

He was a member of the Ceres Youth Soccer Organization’s recreational league for one season.

He played club soccer for the Modesto Ajax and Ceres Earthquakes.

“I’ve always loved soccer,” Cowell said. “I took a break for two years when I was 10 or 11 to play tackle football for the Ceres Seahawks. I went back to it (soccer). Putting in extra time before and after training helped me a lot.”

Growing up in a family full of accomplished athletes has had a positive impact on Chance. He’s the youngest of three siblings.

Cade is currently a member of MLS club New York Red Bulls. He spent the past two seasons with Chivas de Guadalajara of the Liga MX League. He suited up for the San Jose Earthquakes from 2019-23. Cade has earned 11 caps with the United States Men’s National Team.

Sister Cylee played four seasons of varsity soccer at the prep level, including her final three at Turlock High.

She enjoyed her best season to date senior year as she totaled 12 goals and five assists. She was voted Central California Athletic League’s Offensive Player of the Year. 

Chance’s parents were both standout athletes at Ceres High School.

Father Debin earned seven varsity letters, including four in baseball and three in football.

He played receiver at San Jose State for one season.

Mother Amber earned six varsity letters, including four in softball and two in basketball.

“I’m very thankful for my family,” Chance said. “They’re my biggest supporters.”

Chance’s and Cade’s MLS teams aren’t scheduled to face off this season.

The date will be circled on their parents’ calendar when that day comes. 

“I think it will be a really cool experience if that ever happens,” Chance said. “Hopefully, it does. We’re both supportive of each other. We want the best for each other. We talk almost every day.”