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Cowell, Quakes advance to Round of 16
Cade Cowell july
Ceres’ Cade Cowell, 16, and the San Jose Earthquakes advanced to the Knockout Stage of the Major League Soccer is Back Tournament.

Ceres native Cade Cowell and the San Jose Earthquakes placed first in Group B of the Major League Soccer is Back Tournament.

The 16-year-old winger/forward played in one of three games as the Earthquakes amassed a 2-0-1 record.

Cowell made his second MLS regular-season game appearance when he entered the match as substitute late in the second half during the Earthquakes’ 0-0 tie versus 2019 league champion Seattle Sounders  FC on July 10 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

“It’s a unique situation,” said Debin Cowell, Cade’s father. “He’s climbed the ladder. Sixteen-year-olds playing in the MLS doesn’t happen too often. It’s a testament to his work ethic. He’s worked so hard to put himself in a position to be successful. He’s still very young. He’s got a lot of soccer ahead of him.”

San Jose stormed back for a 4-3 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC on July 15.

The Earthquakes shut out Chicago Fire FC 2-0 on Sunday.

San Jose advanced to the Round of 16 Knockout Stage.

The Earthquakes will face a still-to-be-determined opponent on July 27.

“I think that, from the start of last year, we’ve created a group that enjoys being around each other on and off the field,” San Jose head coach Matias Almeyda said. “You want to work for your friends and you want to make them look good on the field.”

The MLS is Back Tournament marks the restart of the season, which was postponed for four months due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Cowell made his MLS debut on March 8.

At 16 years and 150 days old, Cade became the youngest player in club history—fifth youngest in league history—to make an appearance in a league game.

Cowell contributed at forward during the second half of the Earthquakes’ 5-2 home loss to Minnesota United FC.

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.