San Jose Earthquakes Transfer Young Goalkeeper Ochoa to Cruz Azul

The San Jose Earthquakes have agreed to transfer young goalkeeper Emi Ochoa to Mexican club Cruz Azul, sources confirmed to ESPN. The deal includes a $2 million fee and a percentage of any future transfer, marking a significant move for the 19-year-old academy product.

Ochoa, who signed a homegrown contract with the Earthquakes at just 14 years old in 2019, was once hailed as the second-youngest player to sign with an MLS club. Despite his early promise, Ochoa made only one appearance for the Earthquakes’ first team in a 2024 U.S. Open Cup match and was an unused substitute in 19 league games.

With San Jose’s reserve team, The Town, Ochoa accumulated 48 appearances in MLS Next Pro. His departure comes as the Earthquakes’ starting goalkeeper role remains firmly in the hands of JT Marcinkowski, who is entering his third season with the club. San Jose recently bolstered its goalkeeping depth by acquiring another keeper in a trade.

Internationally, Ochoa has represented both the United States and Mexico at youth levels, most recently earning two caps with Mexico’s U20 team. His move to Cruz Azul provides an opportunity for the young talent to develop further in a competitive league.