Who won? San Jose Earthquakes for adding three players or New England Revolution | OneFootball

San Jose Earthquakes are making bold moves to reverse the poor form that defined their last season. The club announced the signing of defender Dave Romney and midfielders Mark-Anthony Kaye and Ian Harkes from New England Revolution. In return, New England will get $500,000 in GAM split between 2025 and 2026, as well as an international roster slot for 2025. The trio will reunite with San Jose's current sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena, formerly the boss in New England.

The last season of San Jose was, to say the least, disastrous. It finished last overall in the MLS, having only 21 points and carrying the heavy burden of having the worst defense in the league with 78 goals conceded in the season. Adding three experienced players brings in hope and signals the intent of the club to revamp the structure. Bruce Arena highlighted the importance of the addition.

"We’re happy to add three quality players to our roster. Dave is a proven defender who has excelled in this league, while Ian and Mark-Anthony bring versatility and valuable experience to our midfield."

Above all, San Jose needs defensive solidity and organization in midfield, and these signings mark a significant step in that direction.

Who are the new signings?

The most notable name in the backline is Dave Romney. At 31, the center-back brings in a lot of experience with 232 appearances in MLS for LA Galaxy, Nashville SC, and New England Revolution. He will be no stranger to Bruce Arena, who was in charge at both LA Galaxy and New England when Romney played for these teams. Consistent and reliable, Romney brings the leadership San Jose's defense lacked in 2024.

In midfield, Mark-Anthony Kaye and Ian Harkes arrive with experience and versatility. Kaye is a 30-year-old Canadian international who has played 42 times for the Canadian national team. In MLS, he has represented LAFC, Colorado Rapids, Toronto FC, and New England, scoring 15 goals and 26 assists in 169 games. Strong and flexible, Kaye also boasts the experience of winning the 2019 Supporters' Shield with LAFC.

Ian Harkes is 29 years old, and he brings a unique blend of experience in Major League Soccer and European leagues. After playing with DC United and New England-where he scored 5 goals, registered 6 assists in 69 matches-he joined Dundee United in Scotland, a place that made him tactically disciplined after four seasons there.

What does New England Revolution gain from the trade?

In all, the move for New England is part of a greater rebuild. The trade opens up salary cap space and brings flexibility to bring in new players. Curt Onalfo, New England's sporting director, explained the reasoning behind the move.

"We are pleased to have completed this deal with San Jose as it gives our team even more flexibility within the league's roster rules to improve our squad with new additions this window and beyond."

The Revs finished last season 14th in the Eastern Conference and dead last, alongside San Jose, for the league's worst goal differential at -37. Significant changes are clearly needed, and this trade is a strategic step in reconstituting the roster for better results for the team.