Francesco Montali, San Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper #31: 2025 Profile
When you check out Francesco Montali, you’re looking at a goalkeeper who’s really paid his dues. At 24, the Miami native now rocks the number 31 shirt for the San Jose Earthquakes, having signed up for the 2025 season. Montali brings San Jose some much-needed depth and reliability in goal—let’s be honest, that’s a spot where stability can make or break a match.
He built his game at Boston University, starting every match across three seasons and racking up 19 clean sheets. That kind of consistency followed him into MLS NEXT Pro, and San Jose picked up his rights from Philadelphia in exchange for allocation money. Nothing about his path screams shortcut; it’s been a steady climb through the U.S. soccer system.
Montali’s arrival fits into San Jose’s bigger roster overhaul for 2025. The club added young midfielders and a goalkeeper who’s ready to push for minutes. At 6-foot-3, with right-footed distribution and experience in different setups, he’s more than a backup. He’s the kind of player who could push the position forward. If you’re curious, you can dig into his San Jose Earthquakes page.
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Francesco Montali’s Role With San Jose Earthquakes
Montali heads into 2025 as a young keeper with both college and pro experience. His signing gives San Jose some depth in a spot that always needs consistency and good communication.
Position and Squad Number
You’ll see Montali in net as a goalkeeper, wearing the #31 jersey for the Earthquakes. At 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 185 pounds, he’s got the size and reach you want in an MLS keeper.
He honed his craft at Boston University, starting every game from 2021 to 2023. He posted 19 shutouts—proof he knows how to organize a defense and stay locked in.
For San Jose, Montali’s job is to compete for minutes behind the starters and show he can handle MLS-level speed and physicality. His time with the Orlando City SC and New York Red Bulls academies gave him a solid technical base.
Basic Profile
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Squad Number | #31 |
| Height/Weight | 6-3 / 185 lbs |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| College | Boston University |
| Birth Year | 2000 |
Signing and Transfer Details
San Jose picked up Montali after acquiring his rights from the Philadelphia Union. The deal cost $50,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money, which isn’t much for a player with upside.
After the trade, the Earthquakes signed him for the 2025 season, with club options through 2027. That setup gives San Jose some flexibility to see how he develops.
Philadelphia picked him in the third round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. He didn’t get an MLS appearance there, but he did get some time with Minnesota United’s MLS NEXT Pro side—starting five matches and training with the first team on short-term deals.
That’s a pretty typical path for young keepers—moving around, looking for the right fit. For San Jose, bringing him in means more competition and insurance at a crucial position.
Key Responsibilities as Goalkeeper
A goalkeeper’s job isn’t just about making saves, and Montali’s to-do list with San Jose proves it. He needs to organize the back line, talk constantly, and help start attacks with his distribution.
At Boston University, he posted a 0.99 goals-against average in 47 starts. That kind of steady play shows he can handle pressure and stay disciplined—qualities every MLS coach loves.
With the Earthquakes, Montali will:
- Provide depth behind the starter
- Push the competition in training
- Step in when the schedule gets packed or injuries hit
- Keep developing under goalkeeper coach Adin Brown
Montali’s ability to adjust to the speed of Major League Soccer will decide how fast he gets real minutes. For now, his job is simple: stay ready and prove he can be trusted when the call comes during 2025.
You can check out more about his signing at the San Jose Earthquakes official announcement.
Career Path and Previous Clubs
Montali’s career winds through several key stops in American soccer, from college fields to pro locker rooms. His journey says a lot about the value of development leagues and grabbing chances with both MLS and lower-division teams.
MLS SuperDraft and Philadelphia Union
He played college soccer at Boston College, where he built a reputation as a reliable goalkeeper. His performances turned heads before the MLS SuperDraft. In 2024, Philadelphia Union picked him—a club known for its strong academy and focus on youth.
He didn’t get a first-team shot with Philly, but they kept his MLS rights. That move set him up for future chances in the league. Philly later sent those rights to the San Jose Earthquakes for allocation money, giving Montali a new opportunity.
This stretch was more about getting his foot in the MLS door than racking up game minutes. Training with a top club sharpens your skills and gets you used to the pro game’s pace, even if you’re not seeing the field yet.
Stint With MNUFC2 and Minnesota United FC
Before San Jose got his rights, Montali logged valuable minutes with MNUFC2, Minnesota United FC’s reserve side in MLS NEXT Pro. That league bridges the gap between college soccer and the MLS first team, giving young players real game time.
With MNUFC2, Montali organized the defense and handled pressure situations. These matches matter for keepers, since you face a mix of up-and-coming prospects and seasoned pros.
MNUFC2 Stats (MLS NEXT Pro)
| Season | Appearances | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 | 3 | 18 |
Those numbers show progress, not dominance, but they explain why Minnesota valued him. Even without a first-team debut, the experience got him ready for the next step.
USL League Two and Vermont Green FC
Before going pro, Montali played in USL League Two, a summer league for college players. He suited up for Vermont Green FC, a club known for its community vibe and focus on sustainability.
For Montali, Vermont Green gave him a platform to face tough competition while still at Boston College. Those matches let him start consistently—something every keeper needs to sharpen positioning and communication.
Vermont Green FC Performance Snapshot
- Season: 2022
- Appearances: 8
- Clean Sheets: 2
- Save Percentage: 72%
Playing in USL League Two isn’t glamorous, but it’s a crucial step for a lot of guys. It keeps you sharp in the offseason and shows scouts you can handle the next level.
Youth and Collegiate Background
Montali’s path combines college success and early academy training. Strong showings at Boston University boosted his stock, while time in the Orlando City SC and New York Red Bulls academies gave him a professional mindset early on.
Boston University Achievements
At Boston University, Montali jumped into a starting role and never looked back. He became BU’s first two-time Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year, started every match in 2023, and helped the Terriers win both the regular season and tournament titles.
His stats pop off the page. Montali logged 19 solo shutouts and kept his goals-against average under 1.00. That steady play gave BU an edge in close games.
Key Collegiate Stats
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Career Shutouts | 19 |
| Goals Against Avg. | 0.99 |
| Save Percentage | .760 |
| 2023 Starts | 18 |
Off the field, he landed United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America First Team honors and made the Academic All-Patriot League Team. You get a player who pulled off high-level academics and elite soccer—a rare combo.
MLS Academies: Orlando City SC and New York Red Bulls
Before college, Montali trained with the Orlando City SC and New York Red Bulls academies. You know those setups demand a lot and expose players to pro standards early.
At Orlando City SC, he learned the basics—positional play and footwork. The Red Bulls focused more on quick distribution and adapting to a faster tempo.
That mix gave him a pretty versatile foundation. You can see how the tactical lessons from New York and technical drills from Orlando shaped his game. It set him up to jump from college to the pros with San Jose.
2025 San Jose Earthquakes Roster and Teammates
Heading into 2025, the San Jose Earthquakes have a roster that mixes new signings, homegrown talent, and experienced vets. Young midfielders are getting bigger roles, while veterans steady the ship.
Nick Fernandez: Midfielder Profile
Nick Fernandez joined San Jose for 2025 after growing up in the Bay Area soccer scene. He played for the Santa Cruz Breakers and starred at San Jose State University, where his midfield control stood out.
His game is all about quick passing and smart positioning. Fernandez usually lines up as a central midfielder, linking defense to attack. Coaches like his ability to hold the ball under pressure and move it with accuracy.
At 22, Fernandez is the kind of local player San Jose wants to showcase. His connection to the community and technical skills make him one to watch.
2025 Key Stats (as of July):
| Appearances | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Passing Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 680 | 1 | 2 | 84% |
Beau Leroux: Midfielder Journey
Beau Leroux landed in San Jose after a solid college run at the University of Portland. Before that, he played at Santa Teresa High School and built a rep as a hardworking midfielder with leadership chops.
Leroux looks most comfortable pushing forward from midfield. He likes to break lines with his runs and has improved his final ball. He’s versatile—can play box-to-box or in a more advanced spot.
San Jose brought him in for his energy and flexibility. He gives the staff options for shaping the midfield. His time in Portland’s tough program got him ready for the physical side of MLS.
2025 Key Stats (as of July):
| Appearances | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Tackles Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 540 | 0 | 1 | 15 |
Other Key Players and Squad Depth
Besides Fernandez and Leroux, the Earthquakes have veterans and international players for balance. Amahl Pellegrino, a forward with European experience, leads the attack. In goal, Francesco Montali now wears No. 31 after arriving from Philadelphia.
You’ll also spot younger players from The Town FC pipeline making contributions. This partnership keeps giving local prospects a shot at MLS minutes. The blend of homegrown talent and experienced signings gives San Jose both immediate impact and future upside.
Depth is still a big focus, especially in midfield and defense. The club invested in players who can slot into multiple roles, so they’re covered when injuries or suspensions hit.
For the full roster, check out the San Jose Earthquakes 2025 squad.
2025 MLS Season Outlook
You’ll see the San Jose Earthquakes start the 2025 MLS regular season with a roster that mixes new faces and returning talent. The club wants more stability in midfield and goal. Francesco Montali, coming in from Boston University, joins the first team as a goalkeeper and takes on the job of adding depth to the squad.
San Jose Earthquakes Fixtures and Key Matches
The Earthquakes kick off their 2025 season on February 22 against Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park. That opener should give everyone a first glimpse at how Montali slots into the squad.
A few fixtures pop out right away. The LAFC and LA Galaxy games always get fans buzzing. Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers, though? Those matchups will really test how the Quakes stack up in the West.
PayPal Park, as usual, isn’t an easy place for visitors. The schedule includes some back-to-back home games. If the Quakes grab points early, those stretches could build some real momentum.
Road games in places like Salt Lake City and Denver—where the altitude hits you—will push the squad’s depth and fitness.
Key Dates:
- Feb 22: Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park
- March 15: LA Galaxy at PayPal Park
- April 5: Seattle Sounders away
- July 19: LAFC at PayPal Park
Expectations for Francesco Montali
Montali comes in after San Jose picked up his rights from Philadelphia and signed him through 2027. At 24, he brings good size—6-foot-3—and experience from Boston University and MLS NEXT Pro.
He’ll probably fight for minutes and learn from the veteran goalkeepers.
At Boston University, Montali started 47 matches with 19 clean sheets and held a goals-against average of 0.99. That’s a solid record, but MLS moves faster and gets more physical.
| Season | Team | Matches | Clean Sheets | GAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-23 | Boston University | 47 | 19 | 0.99 |
| 2024 | MNUFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro) | 5 | 1 | 1.40 |
You’ll probably see Montali in U.S. Open Cup games and backing up in league play. How much he develops this year really depends on how he trains with the first team and handles pressure when he gets his shot.
Broadcast and Media Coverage
You can stream every Earthquakes regular season match on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. That means you’re covered no matter where you are.
Local fans can tune in to KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM for English radio or KZSF 1370 AM for Spanish coverage.
This setup lets you keep up with Montali’s progress whether you’re in the stands or just watching from the couch. Apple’s platform also has extended highlights, tactical breakdowns, and player features. It’s pretty handy for tracking his role as the season goes on.
If Montali starts getting minutes—especially in big games like the California Clasico—you can bet the media will notice. People will watch his growth in San Jose’s system closely, since goalkeeper depth is a big topic for the club in 2025.
Contract Details and Transfer Mechanisms
San Jose brought in Francesco Montali after they acquired his rights from the Philadelphia Union. His contract shows just how MLS uses different financial tools and roster rules to move players around and keep squads balanced.
General Allocation Money (GAM) Explained
You hear about General Allocation Money, or GAM, all the time when MLS teams trade. For Montali, San Jose sent $50,000 in 2026 GAM to Philadelphia to get his rights and then signed him to a multi-year deal.
GAM is basically a budget tool. Clubs use it to reduce a player’s salary cap hit or to buy down contracts. Teams can also trade GAM, which is what San Jose did for Montali.
This flexibility makes GAM one of the most important tools for building rosters in MLS.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how GAM works:
| Use of GAM | Example |
|---|---|
| Reduce a player’s cap hit | Lowering a $300k salary to fit under the cap |
| Trade between clubs | San Jose sending $50k GAM to Philadelphia |
| Sign new players | Applying GAM to open up roster space |
Montali’s move is a good example of how even a third-round SuperDraft keeper needs the right financial mechanism behind the scenes. Without GAM, San Jose wouldn’t have been able to pull off the deal.
Short-Term Agreements and Extreme Hardship Rules
Before he signed with San Jose, Montali already knew his way around short-term agreements. He first joined Minnesota United’s MLS NEXT Pro side, then got bumped up thanks to the Extreme Hardship Rule—that’s the one where a club can bring in a player for a bit when they’re running out of bodies.
You’ll notice teams use this rule when injuries pile up or players disappear for international duty, leaving the roster stretched thin. Minnesota called up Montali as a backup goalkeeper under this exact scenario.
A short-term agreement usually sticks around for only four days and covers up to four matches. Players can sign as many as four of these deals per season. Clubs get a quick fix for their depth issues without the headache of a long-term contract.
Montali’s journey from Boston University to MLS really shows how these short-term deals can help bridge that weird gap between college soccer and landing a true first-team spot. For goalkeepers especially, sometimes this is the only real shot to get some pro experience before anyone offers a standard contract.
