Edwyn Mendoza, San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder #38: Profile & Career
So, you keep hearing about Edwyn Mendoza, right? His name pops up a lot when folks talk about promising young American players. He grew up in San Jose, California, and came through the San Jose Earthquakes academy. Now, he’s already made it into the pro game. Edwyn Mendoza plays midfield for the San Jose Earthquakes, wears the number 38, and stands out as one of those homegrown players making waves in Major League Soccer.
His story ties together both club and country. He’s got experience with the United States at the youth international level. The Earthquakes signed him to a homegrown contract, and he’s put in time with Earthquakes II, always working to sharpen his game.
He’s just 19, but you can already see how he controls the play from the defensive midfield spot. That’s a tough role—one where you need awareness, discipline, and a cool head, even when things get hectic.
If you dig a little deeper, you’ll spot how his career fits into the Earthquakes’ push to develop academy players. From his early days in San Jose to his first pro minutes, Mendoza’s rise shows how young players are earning their stripes in MLS. As you read on, you’ll see how his style, international experience, and contract all play into his journey.
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Edwyn Mendoza: Key Facts and Background
You really get to know a player by looking at where he’s from, what makes him tick, and what physical tools he brings to the pitch. Edwyn Mendoza’s story mixes local roots, cultural identity, and the qualities that shape his game as a midfielder.
Early Life and Birthplace
Edwyn Mendoza was born on May 3, 2006 in San Jose, California. That city’s got a real soccer scene, and growing up in the Bay Area meant he had access to strong youth leagues and a direct shot at the Earthquakes academy.
You can see how that kind of setup helps a player grow fast. Mendoza joined the Earthquakes youth system young and fought his way up to the professional ranks. By 2023, he signed a homegrown contract, which says a lot about how much the club believes in him.
He’s also played for the United States U17 National Team, traveling to tournaments abroad. That early international experience gave him a taste of high-level competition and pushed him to elevate his game. The blend of local training and international games molded him into a steady, disciplined midfielder.
Full Name and Heritage
His full name’s Edwyn Mendoza Magaña. That last name points to his Mexican heritage, connecting him to a bigger soccer tradition in the U.S., where a lot of players juggle dual backgrounds.
His identity sits at the intersection of his American upbringing and Latino roots. That mix often gives a player a different outlook, blending playing styles and values from both cultures.
He officially suits up for the United States, but his heritage sticks with him, shaping his path on and off the field. Fans notice these things—they add another layer to understanding a player’s journey.
Mendoza’s story is a familiar one among young American players with immigrant backgrounds. Balancing family traditions with the demands of pro soccer really shapes who he is.
Physical Attributes
Mendoza stands at 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in). That’s a solid height for a defensive midfielder—big enough to handle aerial battles, but still nimble enough to cover ground.
His build helps him shield the back line and move well in transition. You need stamina, balance, and strength in his role, and he’s got the frame for it.
Here’s a quick rundown of his physical stats:
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | ~70 kg (estimated) |
| Position | Defensive Midfield |
| Jersey Number | #38 |
Those numbers show how he fits the job. His size, movement, and training with both the Earthquakes and U.S. youth teams give him a real shot at sticking in the pros.
Club Career and San Jose Earthquakes
Edwyn Mendoza worked his way up through the San Jose Earthquakes academy before landing a first-team contract. His journey includes time with the Earthquakes, a loan to The Town FC, and steady progress through the youth and pro ranks.
San Jose Earthquakes #38
You’ll spot Mendoza wearing #38 for the San Jose Earthquakes. The club signed him to a Homegrown Player contract in 2023, rewarding his growth in their academy. That move put him in a group of young players the Earthquakes see as part of their future.
He plays mostly as a defensive midfielder and stands out for his calmness and smarts on the ball. Even if he’s not always starting, just being on the roster shows the Earthquakes are serious about bringing academy talent into MLS.
He’s also played for the United States U17 National Team, which tells you he can handle higher levels. His time with San Jose has been about learning from vets and getting used to the physical side of MLS.
San Jose Earthquakes Career Snapshot
| Season | Squad Number | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Contract Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | #38 | MLS | Limited | 0 | Multi-year deal |
| 2024 | #38 | MLS | Increased | 0 | Through 2025 |
Loan to The Town FC
In February 2025, Mendoza moved to The Town FC on loan from San Jose. The loan gives him regular minutes in a competitive setting while the Earthquakes keep tabs on his progress. His contract with San Jose runs through December 31, 2025, so the club can see how he develops during his time away.
Loans like this are pretty common for young players needing real game time. For Mendoza, it’s meant more chances to play midfield, facing pros without the week-in, week-out grind of MLS.
The Town FC competes in MLS NEXT Pro, a league set up for development. Mendoza’s performances there will say a lot about whether he’s ready for a bigger role with the Earthquakes.
Previous Clubs and Career Path
Mendoza was born in San Jose, California, and grew up in Pleasant Hill. He joined the Earthquakes academy early and moved through their system before turning pro. That background let him step straight into MLS without having to switch clubs.
Before his Homegrown deal, he played in youth tournaments and represented the Earthquakes in competitions. He even made the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, matching up against top academy talent.
He skipped college, choosing to go pro right away. His development has come from club training, academy games, and international youth appearances. It’s a path more American players are taking—signing early with MLS teams instead of going the college route.
You can follow his rise from local academy kid to pro midfielder with San Jose and The Town FC.
Playing Position and Style
You’ll see Edwyn Mendoza as a midfielder who’s all about reading the game and setting the tempo. His job is to break up attacks, keep the ball moving, and give his team structure in the middle.
Defensive Midfield Role
Mendoza usually works as a defensive midfielder, so he’s mainly there to protect the back line. He focuses on intercepting passes, winning tackles, and covering when defenders go forward. That keeps things balanced, even when matches get frantic.
Positioning matters more than flashy moves here. Mendoza relies on awareness and timing to shut down passing lanes. Instead of chasing every ball, he waits for the right moment to step in, then moves the ball upfield.
This role demands stamina. He covers a ton of ground, often dropping deep to help the defense. At the same time, he links defense and attack, keeping transitions smooth.
Key Defensive Traits:
- Strong tackling
- Smart positioning
- Ball recovery
- Quick distribution
| Stat (2025) | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.78 m |
| Position | Defensive Midfield |
| Appearances (USMYNT) | 10 |
| Goals | 0 |
Midfield Versatility
While his main job is defense, Mendoza can fill other midfield spots too. He can slide into central midfield when needed, giving his team more options. That flexibility makes him useful in different setups.
In a deeper spot, he breaks up play. When he pushes up, he helps keep the ball moving and supports possession under pressure. He’s not the main creator, but he brings a stability that lets others attack.
With experience at the San Jose Earthquakes and U.S. Youth National Team, coaches clearly trust him in several midfield roles. That trust comes from his discipline and his knack for adapting to what the game needs.
His versatility means he can fit into different systems, whether in MLS or internationally. That adaptability often separates a reliable squad player from someone who earns regular minutes.
International Experience
You can see how fast a young midfielder learns when he faces international competition. Edwyn Mendoza has already played for the United States in several age groups, picking up valuable minutes in tournaments and friendlies. That kind of exposure has sharpened his awareness and composure.
USA U19 National Team
Mendoza got called up to the United States U19 National Team. That’s a big step for anyone aiming to bridge the gap between youth and senior levels. It shows that U.S. Soccer is keeping a close eye on him.
He joined the team during international windows when the Earthquakes let him go, playing alongside top prospects from all over. These camps bring together MLS academy kids and even some from Europe, so Mendoza has had the chance to test himself against serious competition.
In games, he’s mostly played as a defensive midfielder, breaking up attacks and moving the ball fast. That role highlights his discipline and ability to read what’s happening.
Key Notes:
- Position: Defensive Midfielder
- Team: United States U19
- Club at the time: San Jose Earthquakes
- College: Did not attend, signed homegrown contract directly
Youth National Team Appearances
Before the U19s, Mendoza suited up for the United States U17 National Team. He made the roster for the Václav Ježek Cup in the Czech Republic, a tournament that draws strong youth teams from Europe and beyond. You can check out his call-up on the San Jose Earthquakes official site.
At that tournament, he faced a mix of playing styles, which tested his decision-making under pressure. Those experiences gave him a solid base of international experience before he even turned 20.
Here’s a quick look at his youth international record:
| Year | Team | Tournament/Match | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | USA U17 | Václav Ježek Cup | Midfielder |
| 2023–2024 | USA U19 | Friendly Matches, Camps | Defensive Midfielder |
Those games helped build his reputation as a steady force in the midfield. For a player who went straight to MLS instead of college, those international minutes have played a big part in getting him ready for the league.
Performance Statistics and Achievements
You can track Edwyn Mendoza’s progress by looking at his impact in matches, his consistency, and even his market value. His stats paint a picture of where he makes a difference, and his profile highlights the key steps he’s taken so far.
Goals and Key Matches
Mendoza plays as a defensive midfielder, so you don’t really expect him to score much. Still, he finds ways to step up in big moments.
In MLS Next Pro, he showed flashes of composure when pushing forward. He brought that same confidence into his appearances with the San Jose Earthquakes first team.
He scored his first professional goal in a developmental match with Earthquakes II. That strike highlighted his knack for arriving late in the box at just the right time.
He’s not a regular goal scorer, but those moments stand out—they can shake up the rhythm of a match.
In 2025, Mendoza went on loan to The Town FC. That move gave him more minutes on the pitch.
Goals didn’t come often, but he made up for it with sharp defensive positioning and ball recovery. His work helped his team control stretches of the midfield.
Notable Match Contributions
- First pro goal: Earthquakes II, 2023
- First MLS appearance: San Jose Earthquakes, 2024
- Loan to The Town FC: 2025 season
Player Rating Progression
Player ratings can reveal how a midfielder impacts a game beyond just goals and assists. Mendoza’s early matches looked pretty average at first.
As he played more, though, his numbers improved. He boosted his rating with solid defensive duels, accurate passing, and covering a ton of ground.
You can track his appearances and minutes by season on Transfermarkt’s detailed stats. His workload grew as coaches started trusting him more.
That trust shows up in his ratings, which keep trending upward.
Season Ratings Snapshot
| Season | Club | Avg. Rating | Matches Played | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | San Jose Earthquakes II | 6.3 | 15 | 970 |
| 2024 | San Jose Earthquakes | 6.5 | 8 | 410 |
| 2025 | The Town FC (loan) | 6.7 | 12 | 780 |
These numbers reflect a steady climb. That’s pretty typical for young midfielders figuring out the pro game.
Market Value and Transfermarkt Profile
Market value gives you a sense of how the soccer world views a player’s potential. Mendoza’s value has gradually ticked up since he signed as a homegrown with San Jose.
On Transfermarkt’s player profile, you’ll see his market value matches both his age and his growing role.
In early 2024, his value sat at the entry-level for a young MLS midfielder. By mid-2025, after his loan to The Town FC, his valuation rose as he got steady playing time.
That rise hints that clubs view him as more than just a prospect.
Market Value Timeline
- 2023: Initial listing as a homegrown player
- 2024: Small rise after MLS debut
- 2025: Noticeable increase during loan spell
You’ll also find contract details—his current deal runs through December 2025. That short term gives him some flexibility, but it also puts pressure on San Jose to decide whether to extend or look at other options pretty soon.
Mendoza came up through San Jose’s academy and stuck with local development programs instead of heading the college route. He’s a good example of the kind of investment MLS clubs make in youth.
His Transfermarkt profile lays out that journey in pretty clear numbers.
Representation and Contracts
You can trace a lot of Edwyn Mendoza’s early career stability to his representation and the structure of his first pro contract.
His path shows how young players try to balance development with long-term security, while still keeping some flexibility for what’s next.
Player Agent: CAA Stellar
Mendoza works with CAA Stellar, which stands out as one of the top agencies in global soccer. You’ll see their name tied to elite players across Europe and MLS—that’s a pretty big deal.
By teaming up with CAA Stellar, he gets access to a network that really knows how to maximize contracts and spot international opportunities.
That’s important for a 19-year-old midfielder still carving out his spot with San Jose.
CAA Stellar also helps with endorsements and national team exposure. When you’ve got a strong agency handling the off-field stuff, you can focus on playing.
In short, Mendoza benefits from the same infrastructure established pros rely on, even as he keeps developing out of the academy system.
Contract Details and Duration
Mendoza put pen to paper on his first Homegrown Player contract with the San Jose Earthquakes in May 2023. The deal runs through 2027, and San Jose can tack on a club option for 2028 if they want.
So, that’s four years locked in, with the team holding the cards for a possible fifth.
For 2025, Mendoza brings in a base salary of $80,622 and hits the cap at $93,062, according to Spotrac.
These numbers put him right in the mix with other young MLS midfielders who are still fighting for regular minutes.
| Year | Age | Base Salary | Cap Hit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 | $71,401 | $83,841 | First year |
| 2025 | 19 | $80,622 | $93,062 | Active deal |
| 2026 | 19 | – | – | Guaranteed |
| 2027 | 20 | – | – | Guaranteed |
| 2028 | 21 | – | – | Club option |
San Jose has locked in his spot in MLS, but the contract still leaves some wiggle room for what comes next.
Mendoza grew up playing youth soccer in Pleasant Hill before he went pro.
Now, he’s got a solid foundation—both financially and professionally—to build on.
