Daniel, San Diego Earthquakes Goalkeeper #42: Career & Impact
When you tune in to a San Jose Earthquakes match, Daniel in goal grabs your attention almost immediately. The Brazilian keeper, rocking the #42 jersey, joined the team in 2023 after a solid stint with Internacional back home. He didn’t waste any time making his mark—San Jose finally found some real stability in net.
Daniel brings a mix of sharp reflexes and a calm presence. He’s become a cornerstone for the team’s defense—there’s just a confidence about him that rubs off on everyone. You can see it in the way the back line plays when he’s behind them.
He controls the box, barks out orders to defenders, and handles pressure like it’s just another day at the office. That’s probably why he’s already picked up several MLS Team of the Matchday honors. With Daniel, San Jose snapped a three-year playoff drought—his arrival really shifted the club’s whole vibe.
Daniel’s journey to MLS started in Barra do Garças, Brazil, before he made over 80 senior appearances for Internacional. Now, with a contract extension through 2026, San Jose made it clear: they want him anchoring their defense for years. You get a goalkeeper right in his prime, hungry to keep leveling up.
Contents
Daniel’s Role as Goalkeeper for San Jose Earthquakes
Daniel’s become a steady force in goal for the Earthquakes. He’s reliable, quick on his feet, and doesn’t shy away from tense moments. That trustworthiness has made him one of the more respected goalkeepers in MLS.
His time in Brazil, especially with SC Internacional, really set him up for the grind of MLS. You can tell he’s used to tough competition.
Jersey Number and Position
Daniel wears the #42 jersey for San Jose. As the starting goalkeeper, his job isn’t just about making saves. He’s the organizer, the one directing traffic in the back, and he sets the tone for how San Jose builds up play.
At 6’2”, he uses his reach to dominate the penalty box. Opponents rarely get easy looks when he’s on his game.
MLS goalkeepers get judged on more than just saves—distribution matters, too. Daniel’s passing has definitely improved since he landed in California.
He came through Internacional’s academy before making the jump to MLS in 2023. That technical foundation is obvious in his ball handling and how cool he stays, even when things get hectic.
Wearing #42, he’s quickly become a familiar face in San Jose’s lineup.
Key Performances in Major League Soccer
Daniel’s first full MLS season showed exactly why San Jose put their faith in him. He finished near the top for saves per 90 and picked up multiple MLS Team of the Matchday nods.
He kept San Jose in games, even when the defense wobbled. Sometimes, you just need your keeper to stand on his head.
Here’s a quick look at his MLS stats so far:
| Season | Matches Played | Saves per 90 | Clean Sheets | Save % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 20 | 3.88 | 6 | 74% |
| 2024 | 14 | 3.65 | 4 | 72% |
One big moment came in the Leagues Cup against Chivas Guadalajara. Daniel made five saves and helped win the penalty shootout. That’s the kind of night that builds a keeper’s reputation.
Impact on Audi MLS Cup Playoffs
San Jose’s return to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in 2023 felt like a real turning point. Daniel’s consistency played a huge part in that. His saves in close matches often made the difference down the stretch.
Playoff soccer is all about tiny margins. Sometimes one save changes everything, and Daniel delivered more than once. His presence let the defense play a little bolder, knowing he could cover for them if things went sideways.
Even though San Jose didn’t go far, Daniel proved he can handle the league’s biggest moments. The club’s contract extension through 2026 (with options for 2027 and 2028) shows just how much they value what he brings, especially when the stakes are high.
Professional Career Journey
Daniel de Sousa Britto didn’t take shortcuts—he built his career one step at a time, moving from Brazil’s tough leagues to MLS. It’s a story of steady progress and adapting to every new challenge along the way.
Early Career and Internacional
Daniel’s rise started in Brazil, first with União Rondonópolis, then into Internacional’s academy. He climbed the ranks through U-17, U-20, and U-23, sharpening his skills against some of Brazil’s best young players.
At Internacional, he spent a few years waiting for his shot. In 2021, he finally broke through, making 33 starts and even playing in the Copa Libertadores. He kept 16 clean sheets that year and only let in 28 goals. Not bad at all.
By 2022, he locked down the starting spot. In 45 matches across Serie A and the Copa Sudamericana, he gave up less than a goal per game. His consistency and command made him one of Internacional’s most trusted keepers.
Key Internacional Stats (2017–2022):
| Competition | Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazilian Serie A | 23 | — | — | — |
| Copa Libertadores | 2 | — | — | — |
| Copa Sudamericana | 9 | — | — | — |
| All Competitions (2022) | 45 | 43 | 19 | 0.96 |
Transition to Major League Soccer
Daniel made the move to San Jose in 2023, leaving Internacional behind. At 28, he brought experience but also looked eager to prove himself in a new league.
He settled in fast, grabbing the starting job. In his first season, he ranked second in saves per 90 minutes among keepers with at least 1,800 minutes. His shot-stopping was a big reason San Jose finally got back to the playoffs.
The Earthquakes showed their faith by locking him up with a contract through 2026, with options for more. Daniel’s steady play gave San Jose exactly what they needed at the back.
Notable Matches and Achievements
One of Daniel’s standout games came in the 2023 Leagues Cup against Chivas Guadalajara. In a packed Levi’s Stadium, he made five saves and forced two misses in the penalty shootout to send San Jose through. That’s a night fans won’t forget.
He also picked up MLS Team of the Matchday honors four times in his first season. Those awards don’t come easy—they show his ability to step up when it counts.
Over two seasons, Daniel has played 34 matches for San Jose. He’s been durable, focused, and honestly, a big reason for the defense’s improvement. Fans can finally relax a bit knowing there’s a dependable presence in goal.
He’s blended his Brazilian roots with new MLS experience, showing resilience and a knack for adapting. From local pitches in Barra do Garças to becoming a key player in Major League Soccer—it’s been quite a journey.
For more on his MLS career, check out the Earthquakes’ official contract announcement.
Performance Statistics and Records
Daniel has earned his reputation with steady shot-stopping, quick reactions, and a calming presence for the Earthquakes. His numbers back up what fans see every week.
Clean Sheets and Saves
If you want to judge a keeper, look at how often he keeps a clean sheet. Daniel, after building his game in Brazil, has put together a solid record of clean sheets since joining San Jose.
He mixes sharp reflexes with smart positioning, making tough one-on-one saves look routine. His ability to read the game means attackers don’t get many easy chances.
Here’s a look at his recent stats:
| Season | Matches Played | Saves | Clean Sheets | Save % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 20 | 78 | 6 | 72% |
| 2024 | 24 | 95 | 8 | 74% |
The numbers show steady improvement, especially in save percentage. Daniel keeps adjusting to MLS strikers while staying reliable in big moments.
MLS Team of the Matchday Honors
Recognition matters in this league, and Daniel’s earned his share. He’s been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday multiple times, including right out of the gate in Matchday 1 of 2023.
Watch him for a bit and you’ll notice how he commands the box. He’s vocal, organizes set pieces, and seems to pull off the save that changes a game’s momentum. Those things might not show up in the box score, but coaches and teammates definitely notice.
When the Earthquakes chase a playoff spot, you need a keeper who steps up in the big moments. Daniel’s shown he’s got that in him.
Shutouts and Defensive Records
Shutouts aren’t just about the keeper, but Daniel’s collected plenty across his MLS career. In 2024, he recorded eight, helping San Jose grind out results even when the attack sputtered.
You also see the effect on defensive stats. With Daniel in goal, San Jose cut down on goals allowed per game compared to 2022. That’s not just about making saves—it’s leadership, staying calm, and keeping the back line organized when things get tense.
For any team with playoff hopes, having a keeper who can deliver shutouts regularly is huge. Daniel’s provided that foundation.
Personal Background and Early Development
Daniel de Sousa Britto’s story is all about building from the ground up. He started out in a small Brazilian city and worked his way into pro academies that honed his skills. It’s a path marked by steady growth and a lot of hard work.
Birthplace and Early Life in Barra do Garças
Daniel’s journey begins in Barra do Garças, a small city in Mato Grosso, Brazil. It’s more famous for rivers and hills than football, but that didn’t stop him from falling in love with the game.
Growing up there meant not a lot of fancy facilities, but plenty of community support. Local coaches spotted his height and quick reflexes early on—traits that set him apart even as a kid.
You can picture him on rough fields, learning to trust his instincts. Family played a big part, too. His parents pushed him to stay focused on school while chasing his football dreams. That balance gave him the discipline to handle both training and life off the pitch.
Youth Career at União Rondonópolis
Daniel started out at União Rondonópolis, a club in Mato Grosso that has a bit of a reputation for giving young players a solid place to grow. At União, you could really feel the difference as the game shifted from just kicking around with friends to real, organized competition.
The training sessions got serious. Coaches drilled him on positioning, footwork, and how to handle pressure.
This stage was huge for him because he faced regular competition against tougher, older players. That challenge pushed him to get better fast.
Coaches didn’t just focus on the basics—they made sure he understood tactical awareness and how to take charge of his penalty area.
His performances at União started to catch the eyes of scouts from bigger clubs. He played well in regional tournaments, and that opened the door for him to move beyond his home state.
That kind of visibility set everything up for his next big step.
Development at Internacional Academy
When Daniel moved to Internacional’s academy in Porto Alegre, everything changed. Internacional is one of Brazil’s top clubs, and it’s known for producing real pros. For a young player, that environment brings higher standards every single day.
At Internacional, training got even more intense. The goalkeeper coaches worked with him on reflexes, distribution, and making smarter decisions.
He learned about the mental side of the game, too—how to deal with pressure in front of bigger crowds.
The academy didn’t just care about football. Daniel kept up with his studies, even managing to attend college in Brazil while juggling the demands of elite training.
That focus on both school and football helped him mature, on and off the pitch.
Key Development Areas at Internacional
| Skill Focus | Impact on Career |
|---|---|
| Shot-stopping | Improved reflex saves |
| Distribution | Greater accuracy with feet |
| Positioning | Stronger command of penalty area |
| Mental preparation | Confidence in high-pressure matches |
When Daniel left Internacional’s system, he had the tools to play professionally and the right mindset to handle new challenges abroad.
Contract Details and Club Commitment
Daniel’s future with the San Jose Earthquakes looks pretty secure. The club clearly trusts him as their first-choice goalkeeper. His contract gives him stability, but the team still keeps some flexibility with those club options.
Signing with San Jose Earthquakes
Daniel landed in San Jose in early 2023 after his transfer from Internacional. The Earthquakes used Targeted Allocation Money to seal the deal, which really showed how much they valued him.
He arrived at 29, already experienced in Brazil’s Serie A and continental tournaments. That background gave him an edge over a lot of MLS keepers, and honestly, it showed right away.
Daniel, coming from Internacional’s academy, had already racked up 83 first-team appearances in Brazil. He made the transition to MLS look easy and gave San Jose a steady presence in goal from the start.
The club didn’t bring him in just as a quick fix. They wanted him as a long-term solution, especially after struggling defensively in recent seasons.
Contract Extensions and Options
By February 2025, San Jose extended Daniel’s contract through the 2026 season, with club options for 2027 and 2028. This setup gives everyone some peace of mind about his near future, and lets the Earthquakes keep their salary cap options open.
Here’s a quick timeline:
| Year | Contract Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Initial signing | Transfer from Internacional |
| 2024 | Guaranteed | First full season in MLS |
| 2025 | Guaranteed | Entered third year with Quakes |
| 2026 | Guaranteed | Current extension runs through |
| 2027 | Club Option | Team can extend |
| 2028 | Club Option | Team can extend |
Deals like this are pretty standard in MLS, since clubs like to keep control over roster moves. For Daniel, it’s security now and the chance to stick around longer if he keeps performing.
Statements from Club and Player
You don’t really have to guess how both sides feel about this extension. Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena said the Earthquakes believe Daniel can be one of the top goalkeepers in MLS. That’s about as clear as it gets.
Daniel called San Jose his home and talked about giving his all for the club. His words meant something, especially since he’s already played a big part in getting the team back to the playoffs.
There’s a real sense of respect between Daniel and the club. Arena appreciates his shot-stopping, and Daniel seems to love the responsibility of leading from the back. That’s exactly what you want in a franchise goalkeeper, isn’t it?
Legacy and Influence in Major League Soccer
Daniel has made himself one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Major League Soccer. His steady play, leadership, and ability to adapt from Brazilian to American soccer have shaped his reputation and helped change the path of the San Jose Earthquakes.
Reputation Among MLS Goalkeepers
People mention Daniel a lot when talking about the league’s most efficient shot-stoppers. Since joining from Internacional, he’s become known for making difficult saves look almost routine.
His quick reflexes and smart positioning really set him apart. Other keepers notice how he keeps matches under control, even when the defense slips up.
In 2025, he ranked among the top MLS goalkeepers with a +2.3 goals saved above expected rating, according to Everybody Soccer. That number shows how often he turns high-quality chances into missed opportunities for opponents.
But it’s not just about stats. Other goalkeepers respect his calm presence under pressure. You see it in penalty situations—he makes attackers rush their decisions.
| Season | Saves per 90 | Save % | Clean Sheets | Goals Saved Above Expected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3.88 | 74% | 7 | +1.1 |
| 2024 | 4.02 | 76% | 9 | +1.8 |
| 2025 | 4.15 | 77% | 10 | +2.3 |
Contribution to Team Success
Daniel’s impact on the San Jose Earthquakes goes well beyond his own numbers. Since 2023, he’s anchored a defense that often leaned on his saves to stay in games.
His performances helped push San Jose into playoff contention, even when the backline struggled.
Take matches like the 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy—he made six saves, including several point-blank stops, and that earned the club a valuable point in the California Clasico.
Those games gave his teammates the confidence to play more aggressively, knowing they had someone solid behind them.
Coaches trust him as a leader, too. You see it in how he organizes the defense, talks to younger players, and keeps his cool in tight matches.
His leadership has played a big role in San Jose’s climb up the Western Conference table.
Recognition in International Competitions
Before Daniel moved to MLS, he played in Brazil with Internacional. He took part in competitions like the Copa Libertadores, where he faced off against some of South America’s toughest clubs.
That experience put him in high-pressure matches early on. You can tell it shaped how he plays today.
He hasn’t received a senior Brazil national team call-up yet, but his time in Major League Soccer has definitely turned some heads. He’s made the MLS Team of the Matchday several times, which says a lot about his consistency in a league brimming with international talent.
International players have even praised his shot-stopping after going up against him. It’s not easy to switch from South American football to MLS, but Daniel’s adapted his skills to different styles of play.
His versatility really helps his case for recognition outside of just domestic leagues.
Daniel’s journey from Internacional to the San Jose Earthquakes shows real growth. His international background gives extra weight to his MLS legacy—honestly, his influence stretches way beyond any single league or country.
