ESPN reported on Friday Spanish soccer power Barcelona is tracking the progress of Cade Cowell and other young talent from MLS.
The 17-year-old Ceres native has appeared in 13 games during his second season with the San Jose Earthquakes.
“He’s a top talent,” said Daren Flitcroft, Cowell’s agent with Wasserman sports marketing and talent management company. “Teams from throughout the world are monitoring him. We have not heard from Barcelona. There’s nothing concrete.”
“If he plays well, those opportunities will come,” he added. “Right now, his focus is squarely on the Earthquakes and trying to earn a starting spot on the first team.”
“There are a lot more important things in the present than worrying about stuff you can’t control,” said Debin Cowell, Cade’s father. “He needs to focus on getting on the field here.”
Cowell collected his first career MLS assist on his 17th birthday during the San Jose Earthquakes’ 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Oct. 14.
He used some nifty footwork to beat a defender and flicked a perfect pass to Nick Lima, who blasted an 18-yard shot into the back of the net.
“You are my pride and joy and I am so proud of all that you have become,” said Debin Cowell about his son on an Instagram post. “Continue to put God and your family first and never stop working every single day to better yourself. The world is just getting a taste of what I’ve known your entire life. You were born for this!!!”
Cowell has logged 362 minutes of playing time this season.
He’s started three times.
He’s collected one goal and one assist.
He’s attempted 11 shots.
Cowell didn’t make any appearances in MLS play during his first year with the Earthquakes.
“He’s developed so much technically and tactically from a year ago,” Flitcroft said. “He’s actively trying to improve his craft.”
Cowell inked a five-year contract with San Jose at the age of 15 in January of 2019.
He became the youngest player signing in Earthquakes and Bay Area team sports history.
Cowell entered the record books on Aug. 29 by becoming the youngest player to start and score in team history in San Jose’s narrow 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy.
He also became the eighth-youngest goalscorer in MLS history.
Cowell gave San Jose a 2-1 lead in the 59th minute.
Cowell spent close to six weeks in Florida when he played for the Earthquakes at the MLS is Back Tournament, staged July 8 to Aug. 11, in Orlando.
He contributed off the bench in two of five matches as San Jose compiled a 3-1-1 record on its way to a top-eight finish at the 24-team tournament.
Cowell made his MLS debut in a 5-2 loss to Minnesota United FC on March 7.
Cowell signed with the Wasserman agency, which represents over 1,500 athletes, broadcasters, coaches and influencers, in August.
Clients include Russell Westbrook, Klay Thompson, Giancarlo Stanton, Nolan Arenado, Javier Baez, Yu Darvish, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe.
“He’s a dream client,” Flitcroft said. “His focus is squarely on the field. He’s not worried about other things going on. He’s hardworking and very humble. He comes from a great family.”
