Chance Cowell, San Diego Earthquakes, Forward, #44: Rising MLS Talent
So, who is Chance Cowell, and why should you care about him right now? At just 17, he rocks the number 44 for the San Jose Earthquakes and brings serious pace and technical flair as a forward. Chance Cowell’s a homegrown player already catching eyes at both the club and youth international level.
His path? You can’t miss the family ties—he’s Cade Cowell’s younger brother. He grew up around professional soccer, honed his skills in the Earthquakes Academy, and eventually signed a homegrown contract. U.S. youth national teams have called him up, which says a lot about his potential beyond MLS.
Look at his profile and you’ll see a 5-foot-7 player who brings real energy to wide attacking roles. He’s made appearances for San Jose and keeps building his presence in MLS NEXT competitions.
With his mix of speed, creativity, and solid academy experience, it’s obvious why the Earthquakes see him as a key part of their future. For some context, he attended Leland High School in San Jose while climbing through the Earthquakes system, keeping his roots local.
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Chance Cowell: Player Profile
Here’s a young forward juggling dual national ties, club commitments, and the pressure of wearing a first-team jersey. He’s moved steadily through the San Jose Earthquakes system, picked up a loan for more experience, and earned international call-ups that keep raising his profile.
Personal Background
Chance Derek Cowell Maldonado was born July 5, 2008, in Ceres, California. His background stands out right away—he has citizenship in both the United States and Mexico.
That dual eligibility opened doors. He’s been to youth camps for both countries, which is a pretty big deal for a teenager still figuring out his international future.
He signed a Homegrown Player contract with the Earthquakes and joined a promising group of academy grads. By early 2025, he moved on loan to The Town FC to get regular minutes at a higher level.
Cowell went to Ceres High School before going all-in on soccer. That path mirrors what a lot of young American prospects do when they join MLS academies. You can see his career structure forming early, each step moving him closer to consistent first-team action.
Physical Attributes
At 1.70 m (5 feet 7 inches), Cowell doesn’t rely on height. Instead, he uses quickness and agility to his advantage.
His game is all about acceleration, balance, and changing direction while staying in control. These traits serve him well as a left winger, where speed and space matter more than size.
He plays right-footed, which lets him cut inside from the left to create shooting chances. That’s classic for modern wingers, and Cowell fits right in.
Here’s his physical profile at a glance:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.70 m / 5’7” |
| Primary Foot | Right |
| Playing Style | Quick, agile, direct |
| Strengths | Speed, dribbling, movement off ball |
These qualities shape how he plays—he depends on pace and control, not brute strength.
Jersey Number and Position
Cowell lines up as a forward, usually out wide as a left winger. He’s wearing the #44 jersey for San Jose, a number that’s already part of his early story with the club.
As a winger, he stretches the field, creates width, and delivers balls into the box. Cutting inside for shots is another part of his game, showing off his technical side.
He’s flexible, too. Sometimes he plays higher as a second striker or drops deeper to help the midfield. Coaches appreciate that kind of versatility.
For someone who’s only 17, the mix of role, position, and number says a lot about the club’s trust and his own readiness to step up.
San Jose Earthquakes and Club Career
Chance Cowell’s journey started with an early signing at San Jose Earthquakes, a solid contract, and now a loan move for more experience. His path shows how MLS clubs invest in young players while making sure they get enough minutes to grow.
Homegrown Contract Details
Cowell signed a homegrown contract with the Earthquakes in 2023, joining Edwyn Mendoza and Oscar Verhoeven as part of a new wave of academy kids moving up.
The deal shows the club’s faith in him as a long-term forward.
A homegrown contract locks you in, but it also gives you access to the club’s development system. The Earthquakes keep his rights through 2027, which gives them time to develop him without worrying about losing him to another MLS team.
It’s a step up from the unsigned academy players. You get to train, travel, and play with the senior roster, which speeds up your transition to the pros. That’s a big deal for a 17-year-old.
Key Contract Facts
- Signed: 2023
- Length: 4 years (through 2027)
- Club: San Jose Earthquakes
- Position: Forward (#44)
Current Club and Loan Information
In 2025, Cowell went on loan to The Town FC, the Earthquakes’ MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. This move lets him play regularly against pros while staying under the Earthquakes’ umbrella.
MLS clubs use these loans a lot for young players. It keeps them sharp without throwing them into the deep end in MLS every week.
Cowell’s loan runs through December 2025, and then he’ll return to San Jose unless something changes.
His main contract with the Earthquakes still ends in 2027, so the club calls the shots on what happens next. That gives them options—bring him back, extend the loan, or even transfer him if the right offer comes.
Contract Timeline
| Club | Contract End | Status |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose Earthquakes | Dec 31, 2027 | Parent Club |
| The Town FC | Dec 31, 2025 | Loan |
Role with The Town FC
At The Town FC, Cowell mostly works as a left winger. The club likes his speed and ability to stretch defenses, so he gets regular starts in MLS NEXT Pro.
These games give him the reps he needs to make better decisions in the final third.
The coaches also try him in different attacking spots. While he’s best wide left, sometimes he moves central if the team wants a more direct approach. That kind of flexibility will help him back at San Jose.
For a young forward, it’s not about the highlight reels—it’s about steady minutes. Playing against older, tougher defenders every week helps him handle the grind of pro soccer.
The Town FC is basically the bridge between academy soccer and the MLS first team.
Primary Role
- Position: Left winger
- Competition: MLS NEXT Pro
- Focus: Development, consistent playing time
Youth Development and Academy Journey
A player’s path really shapes his future, especially when he starts with good training and gets pushed to higher levels early. Chance Cowell’s youth years, his move into the San Jose Earthquakes academy, and his international tournaments all show how his development has been mapped out.
Early Years at Sacramento Republic FC
Cowell first built his foundation at Sacramento Republic FC, where he played tough regional games and picked up important minutes.
Training in a real academy setting sharpened his technical skills and tactical sense.
At Sacramento, he often played up against older kids. That forced him to adapt fast, build confidence in tight spots, and learn to read the game when things got hectic.
The coaches there focused on individual growth—ball control, decision-making, and positioning. These became key parts of his game and set him up for the jump to an MLS academy.
Transition to San Jose Earthquakes Academy
When Cowell joined the San Jose Earthquakes academy, you could tell his game was stepping up. The competition was tougher, and the expectations were higher.
He trained with top academy players and sometimes joined first-team sessions. That gave him a real look at what the pro level demands.
His time with Earthquakes II in MLS NEXT Pro showed he could adjust quickly.
The academy pushed discipline, fitness, and tactical flexibility. Those things helped Cowell land a Homegrown Player contract—a big sign of the club’s belief in him.
Key Milestones at San Jose Academy
| Year | Team/Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Earthquakes II | MLS NEXT Pro debut at 16 |
| 2024 | San Jose Earthquakes | Signed Homegrown contract |
| 2025 | U-17 National Team | Called for Concacaf Qualifiers |
Generation adidas Cup Participation
Cowell’s growth also shows in his Generation adidas Cup appearances, one of North America’s toughest youth tournaments. Facing international academies gave him a taste of different styles.
In these matches, he went up against defenders with all sorts of skills, so he had to sharpen his movement and finishing.
The tournament also tested his ability to keep up with the pace and physicality.
For anyone following youth development, the Generation adidas Cup is a real test. It shows if a player can handle pressure outside the usual domestic scene. Cowell’s performances there made it clear he’s ready for bigger challenges.
International Experience
Chance Cowell already has youth international matches for both the United States and Mexico. That’s thanks to his dual nationality and the options he’s got as he moves forward.
United States Youth National Team Call-Ups
Cowell keeps earning call-ups to the United States Youth National Team. In 2025, he joined the U-17 squad for the Concacaf Qualifiers in Costa Rica, where the team competed for a World Cup spot.
He played in a group with the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Cuba. The matches happened at Estadio Nacional and Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto, giving him valuable international experience at just 16.
Cowell was one of only ten players born in 2008 to get called into all three training camps since this cycle started. That says a lot about what the coaches think of him.
United States U-17 Involvement
| Year | Level | Matches | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | U-15 | Multiple camps | Early call-ups |
| 2024 | U-16 | Training camps | Regular inclusion |
| 2025 | U-17 | Concacaf Qualifiers | Group F competition |
Mexico U-15 National Team Involvement
Before settling in with the U.S., Cowell played for Mexico’s U-15 team. He scored twice for Mexico’s youth setup, showing he could adapt fast in a new system.
Playing for Mexico gave him an early taste of international competition outside the U.S. program. He got to compete with and against players he’d later see in other tournaments.
That experience also introduced him to Mexican coaching styles, which focus on technical ability, quick passing, and tactical discipline. For a young forward, those lessons add a valuable layer to his game.
Dual Nationality and Eligibility
Cowell has both U.S. and Mexican citizenship. Because of that, both federations keep a close eye on his progress.
At the youth level, FIFA rules let him represent either country until he appears in an official senior competitive match.
This flexibility keeps his long-term choice open. Right now, he’s leaned toward the United States, joining the U-17 team in 2025 and signing a Homegrown contract with the San Jose Earthquakes.
His brother, Cade Cowell, played for both countries at youth levels before picking the U.S. senior team. That family history hints that Chance might do the same, but he still has the option to play for Mexico.
Notable Achievements and News
Chance Cowell’s profile has grown fast as a forward for the San Jose Earthquakes. He signed an early pro contract, got youth international call-ups, and has kept developing in MLS.
You’ll spot his name not only in club matches but also in international youth tournaments and media stories that highlight his potential.
Key Matches and Performances
Cowell started his pro journey with Earthquakes II, now The Town FC, before getting his Homegrown deal in 2024. At just 16, he debuted in MLS NEXT Pro, holding his own against older defenders.
He can play out wide or up front, which gives coaches options.
Cowell has already made his mark internationally. He played for both the U.S. and Mexico at youth levels, scoring goals for Mexico’s U-15s before becoming a regular with the U.S. U-17s.
In 2025, he joined the U.S. U-17 squad for the Concacaf qualifiers in Costa Rica, facing Cuba, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (San Jose Earthquakes News).
Recent Career Stats
| Year | Team | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Earthquakes II | MLS NEXT Pro | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | San Jose Earthquakes | MLS | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | United States U-17 | Concacaf Qualifiers | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Media Coverage and Videos
You won’t have to search long to find Cowell in the media. Local California outlets covered his signing with San Jose, pointing out he’s following in Cade’s footsteps (Ceres Courier).
National sites like ESPN keep tabs on him, offering stats and highlights so fans can check out his progress (ESPN profile).
Highlight videos show his speed and quickness on the wing. Short clips focus on how he cuts inside and creates chances.
For fans, these videos give a real sense of his technical skill and choices during games.
Media attention has grown as Cowell’s role increased for both club and country. His youth tournament performances often get turned into quick highlight packages, making it easy to follow his rise without sitting through whole matches.
Recognition within MLS
MLS started noticing Cowell after his early signing and steady climb in the Earthquakes system. He signed his first pro contract at 14, which made him one of the youngest in team history.
That move put him in a pretty exclusive group of MLS players getting contracts before turning 15.
MLS coverage often mentions his dual-national status, which keeps his international future interesting. He’s already joined several youth camps for both the U.S. and Mexico—a sign that both sides want him (EverybodyWiki).
Cowell hasn’t become a regular MLS starter yet, but making the Earthquakes’ first-team roster at 16 shows the club trusts his development.
You see his recognition in the league not through awards yet, but through opportunity, steady call-ups, and the club’s investment in his future.
Connections and Teammates
Chance Cowell’s growth isn’t just about his own talent. The people around him—family, teammates, and the club—really shape his path as a forward for San Jose.
Relationship with Cade Cowell
You can’t really talk about Chance without mentioning his older brother Cade. Cade came up through the San Jose Earthquakes academy too, getting first-team minutes young and moving into the national team scene.
When you watch Chance, you’ll spot the same athleticism and direct attacking style. Cade’s success gave him a roadmap, but Chance seems determined to make his own mark.
Their bond gives Chance advice most young players can only wish for. Cade shares tips about training, preparing for matches, and handling the mental side of being a pro.
That kind of mentorship helped Chance deal with the pressure of signing his homegrown contract at 14 and making his pro debut with The Town FC at 16.
The Cowell brothers are a rare story—two players from Ceres, California, reaching MLS through the same club. That’s pretty special, and it shows how family can boost a player’s confidence and ambition.
Edwyn Mendoza and Oscar Verhoeven
Chance also works closely with Edwyn Mendoza and Oscar Verhoeven, his fellow academy grads. The Earthquakes signed all three to homegrown contracts at once, showing they’re serious about growing their own talent.
Mendoza, a midfielder, brings balance and defensive help. Verhoeven, a defender, adds calmness in the back.
With Cowell up front, they form a trio that fits the club’s long-term plans.
You could call them a core group being groomed for the first team. Their time together in the academy and MLS NEXT Pro gives them chemistry you might not see in stats, but it definitely matters on the field.
Key Roles in the Trio
| Player | Position | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Chance Cowell | Forward | Pace, finishing, pressing |
| Edwyn Mendoza | Midfielder | Distribution, work rate |
| Oscar Verhoeven | Defender | Tactical awareness, marking |
Impact on Club Culture
You can really feel how Chance’s arrival, along with Mendoza and Verhoeven, marks a bigger cultural shift in San Jose. The club now leans on its academy to build depth, and these young guys show a clear move toward development instead of chasing quick fixes.
As a supporter, you get to watch local talent actually earn chances. It brings a different energy to the locker room, too—players who grew up together now push each other in a professional setting.
Cowell’s presence just drives home the point that the Earthquakes aren’t only producing players for the first team—they’re sending guys to international duty as well. His call-up to the United States Youth National Team proves the club’s investment matters on a bigger stage.
This trust in young players helps build real continuity. You don’t just see Cowell as another prospect; he’s part of a system that’s supposed to keep the club’s identity strong for years.
