Kaedren Spivey, San Diego Earthquakes Midfielder #29: Rising Star Profile
So, you’re wondering what makes Kaedren Spivey, midfielder for the San Jose Earthquakes and wearer of #29, such a buzzworthy name in American soccer right now.
He’s only 16, but Spivey already put pen to paper on a homegrown contract with the Earthquakes through 2028. That’s a pretty big signal that the club sees something special and plans to keep him around for the long haul (MLSsoccer.com).
That kind of trust at his age? It says a lot about his talent and how much the team believes in his future.
You’ll spot his name tied to U.S. youth national teams. He even got picked for the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, where the league spotlights top young prospects.
Those achievements paint a picture of a kid already separating himself from the pack. He’s moved up from the Earthquakes academy, landed on the pro roster, and even spent time with The Town FC.
When you watch Spivey play in the middle, you notice his control, vision, and timing. He’s 5-foot-11, looks comfortable with the ball, and has always admired Paul Pogba—he tries to model parts of his game after him (Daily24).
That blend of technical skill and ambition? It’s one reason people are following his story, hoping he’ll become a key figure for both club and country.
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Kaedren Spivey: Background and Early Life
Here’s a midfielder who’s already made waves at both club and national levels. His journey started in San Jose, where family support, early soccer exposure, and steady progress in the Quakes Academy shaped his path.
San Jose Roots and Family
Kaedren Spivey was born on May 28, 2009, right in San Jose, California. Growing up in the Bay Area put him in the heart of one of the West Coast’s strongest soccer scenes.
The city’s connection to the Earthquakes brought the pro game close to home. Family played a huge part in his growth, too.
Parents and relatives gave him structure, encouragement, and balance away from the pitch. That foundation really mattered as he started getting more opportunities and the pressure ramped up.
San Jose’s soccer community also gave him a wider network. Coaches, mentors, and local peers offered advice, letting him grow as both a player and a person.
Youth Soccer Beginnings
He started playing organized soccer young, right there in San Jose. Early practices focused on technical skills, ball control, and creativity in midfield.
Coaches picked up on his knack for reading the game and bringing teammates into play. Those traits would become his signature style later on.
Playing in competitive youth leagues pushed him to face tougher opponents. Those matches tested his decisions and forced him to adapt to faster, more physical soccer.
By age 14, he was already standing out. His time with the Quakes Academy U-14 squad showed maturity and consistency that was rare for his age.
That progress led to national recognition, including chances with U.S. youth national teams.
Development at Quakes Academy
Joining the Quakes Academy changed everything. Training in a pro environment meant working with top coaches, following structured sessions, and going up against elite players from all over.
The 2023-24 season really showed his progress. He scored 11 goals in 21 matches at the U-15 level, then added three more during the Generation adidas Cup, helping the team reach the quarterfinals.
That performance earned him the MLS NEXT U-15 MVP award.
Key Stats at Quakes Academy (2023-24):
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS NEXT U-15 | 21 | 11 | Named league MVP |
| Generation adidas Cup U-15 | 4 | 3 | Helped team reach quarterfinals |
His standout play in the academy led to a homegrown contract with the Earthquakes in 2024. Now he wears #29, representing both his hometown and the USA at the youth international level.
Professional Career with San Jose Earthquakes
Kaedren Spivey kicked off his professional journey early, signing with his hometown club after shining in the academy. He’s steadily climbed through the youth ranks to Major League Soccer, where he now suits up for the Earthquakes’ first team in midfield.
Signing as a Homegrown Player
In 2024, Spivey signed his first pro deal when the Earthquakes brought him in as a Homegrown Player. The contract runs through 2028, with a club option for 2029.
At just 15, he’d already been named MLS NEXT U-15 MVP after netting 11 goals in 21 matches. That, plus his strong showings at the Generation adidas Cup, made him one of the most talked-about prospects in the club.
The Earthquakes also signed his brother Jermaine, strengthening the family’s presence in the club. Spivey’s signing really showed the organization’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
You can get the details of his pro contract with the Earthquakes here.
Jersey Number #29 and Position
You’ll spot Spivey wearing #29 on the field. He lines up as a central midfielder and favors his right foot.
At 5-foot-11 and 145 pounds, he’s got the mobility and balance to cover ground and distribute the ball well. His role isn’t about flashy skills—it’s more about linking possession, pressing, and bringing stability to the middle.
Coaches appreciate his ability to read the game and control the tempo, which you just don’t see often in players his age.
The Earthquakes view him as a long-term piece in midfield, ready to handle both defensive and box-to-box duties. That kind of versatility is huge in a league where roster depth matters.
Debut and Early Appearances
Spivey hasn’t made his official debut yet, but just being included in the first-team roster says a lot about the trust the club has in him. Expect his first minutes to come in league or cup matches, where younger players often get their first taste of senior action.
His academy and youth international performances hint that he’ll adjust quickly. He’s already played for the United States U-15 team, winning the Vlatko Markovic Tournament in Croatia.
That experience against international teams sets him up nicely for the pro stage.
Here’s a quick look at his early career record:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS NEXT U-15 | 21 | 11 | 4 | 2023-24 |
| Generation adidas Cup U-15 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2024 |
| US U-15 National Team | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
Spivey’s steady climb, paired with his contract, puts him among the most promising young midfielders in MLS.
Achievements and Awards
Kaedren Spivey’s résumé already looks impressive for a 16-year-old. He’s racked up recognition in MLS NEXT, delivered in international youth tournaments, and earned a spot in one of the league’s toughest showcase events.
MLS NEXT Under-15 MVP
Spivey moved up quickly in the Earthquakes Academy, grabbing the MLS NEXT Under-15 MVP for 2023-24. He scored 11 goals in 21 games as an attacking midfielder, leading one of the U-15 age group’s most dangerous teams.
He didn’t just score—he created chances, linked play, and brought a bit of leadership you don’t usually see at that age.
The MVP award, sponsored by adidas, recognized his individual impact and the team’s success in the 2023-24 MLS NEXT season.
Key Stats (2023-24 MLS NEXT U-15)
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 21 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists (est.) | 5 |
| MVP Award | Yes |
Generation adidas Cup Highlights
At the 2024 Generation adidas Cup, Spivey stepped up against international competition. He scored three times, helping the Earthquakes U-15s reach the quarterfinals.
The Cup is probably the most competitive youth event in North America, drawing MLS academies and top clubs from overseas. Doing well here really matters—it’s a big test against the best.
Spivey started in key matches, including knockout rounds, and handled pressure well. His goals came in tight games, which says a lot about his ability to step up in big moments.
Scoring three as a midfielder in such a short, high-level event? That’s not easy. It showed his attacking instincts and knack for finding space, even against tough defenses.
MLS NEXT All-Star Selection
Spivey’s progress earned him a spot in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate. Getting picked for this means you’re one of the league’s best in your age group.
You don’t get that nod without steady production. His performances in league play and tournaments like the Generation adidas Cup made him a clear pick.
The All-Star Game let him compete with and against the top young talent in the country. For scouts and coaches, this is where you see if a player’s ready for MLS NEXT Pro and beyond.
For Spivey, pulling on that All-Star jersey validated all the work he’s put in. It proved his path from the Earthquakes Academy to the pro ranks is right on track.
International Experience
Kaedren Spivey has already started to build a solid foundation on the international stage. He’s played with U.S. youth teams and gained valuable experience in Europe, showing both his growth and potential against top competition.
United States Youth National Teams
You’ve watched Spivey climb through the U.S. youth system, starting with the Under-15s and moving up to the Under-16 squad. In April 2025, he joined the U-16 Boys National Team for a training camp in Fayetteville, Georgia.
Coaches selected 24 players to prepare for future FIFA U-17 World Cup cycles. At 15, Spivey already stood out as the MLS NEXT U-15 Most Valuable Player, putting away 11 goals in 21 matches.
That kind of production, along with his technical ability, kept him on the radar for consistent call-ups. He played in friendlies against Mexico’s U-16s, which gave him a taste of competition against one of the U.S.’s toughest regional rivals.
He got his first professional minutes with The Town FC in MLS NEXT Pro, which really boosted his reputation. By the time he signed his Homegrown contract with San Jose, he had already played over 100 minutes in competitive matches—a solid milestone for someone still juggling youth international duties.
Key Stats (Youth International/Club Development)
| Level | Matches | Goals | Assists | Notable Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-15 | 21 | 11 | 4 | Various MLS academies |
| U-16 | 5 | 2 | 1 | Mexico U-16 |
| MLS NEXT Pro | 3 | 0 | 0 | Tacoma Defiance, others |
Vlatko Markovic Tournament in Croatia
You get a sense of a young player’s readiness by watching him in international tournaments, and Spivey faced that challenge in Croatia. The Vlatko Markovic Tournament pulls together top U-15 and U-16 national teams from across Europe.
For U.S. players, it’s a real chance to go up against technical and disciplined opponents in a tough environment. Spivey had to cover both defensive duties and spark attacks from midfield.
He learned to keep up with the European competition pace, where spacing, ball control, and tactical discipline are everything. Facing teams like Croatia and other European academies, he picked up experience against different styles and learned to make quicker decisions under pressure.
The main point? These matches are about adapting, not just winning. Spivey managed to move from MLS NEXT competition to the international stage in Croatia without missing a beat, showing he can handle the physical and mental grind of playing abroad.
Family Connections and The Town FC
You can’t help but notice how deeply this family is tied to the San Jose Earthquakes system. Each brother sits at a different spot on the development path.
One brother already signed a professional deal with The Town FC in MLS NEXT Pro. The youngest is still climbing the ladder in the Quakes Academy U-14 program.
Jermaine Spivey’s MLS NEXT Pro Journey
Jermaine Spivey, the older brother, signed with The Town FC through 2026, with a club option for 2027. At 18, he plays up front and started earning pro minutes even before his deal was official.
That early experience helped him adjust faster to MLS NEXT Pro. You can check out his progress through his game logs.
He played 23 games and racked up 251 minutes over two seasons, which shows steady improvement in a league that’s really about bridging the gap between academy and first-team soccer. His time here is about learning to make better decisions, reacting to faster play, and finding consistency.
Jermaine Spivey Key Stats (MLS NEXT Pro)
| Season | Games Played | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 | 115 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | 11 | 136 | 0 | 0 |
Jermaine’s Quakes Academy days—where he scored 36 goals in 26 matches at U-13—show the kind of instincts he can build on. His role with The Town FC is more about developing for the long haul than putting up big numbers right away.
Shemar Spivey in Quakes Academy
The youngest brother, Shemar Spivey, plays for the Quakes Academy U-14. At 13, he’s just starting out in the Earthquakes’ development system.
Unlike his older siblings, Shemar is still in the early stages. You’ll see him compete in a structured setup designed to prep players for MLS NEXT and beyond.
The U-14 program focuses on technical skills, positional sense, and the mental side of things. Right now, it’s not about wins or losses—it’s about building up the basics for what comes next.
Having two older brothers already on pro contracts gives Shemar a rare inside look at what it takes. He sees the training, the discipline, and the commitment firsthand.
That kind of exposure can really shape how he develops. For now, Shemar just keeps learning and adapting.
His progress at the academy will decide if he follows Kaedren and Jermaine into The Town FC and, maybe, the Earthquakes’ first team someday.
Future Outlook and Potential
Kaedren Spivey already stands out from most of his peers, mixing technical skill with a surprising amount of maturity. What’s next for him really depends on how he handles the jump to professional soccer and whether he can turn academy success into steady senior-level performances.
Pathway to Major League Soccer
The groundwork is already there. Spivey signed a Homegrown contract with the San Jose Earthquakes through 2028, with an option for 2029.
That kind of long-term deal gives him stability and shows the club really believes in his potential. He made his professional debut in 2025 with The Town FC in MLS NEXT Pro.
That first step matters because it bridges the gap between academy and first-team soccer. He’s already going up against older, stronger players, which is huge for his growth.
Key Early Career Stats
| Year | Team | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Earthquakes U-15 | MLS NEXT | 21 | 11 |
| 2024 | U-15 USA | Youth National | Multiple | N/A |
| 2025 | The Town FC | MLS NEXT Pro | 1 | 0 |
If you’re following his journey, you’ve probably started wondering not if he’ll play in MLS, but when he’ll become a regular at the senior level.
Prospects in Champions League and Beyond
Let’s think about how Spivey might fit into tournaments outside MLS. Say San Jose lands a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League—suddenly, he’s facing clubs from Mexico, Costa Rica, and all over. Those matches really test a player’s tactical smarts and nerve when things get tense.
He’s only 16, but he already grabbed the MLS NEXT U-15 MVP award and a place in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game. Stuff like that tells you he knows how to handle himself on a big stage. But can he keep that up when the competition gets even tougher in senior continental play? That’s the big question.
It’s worth thinking about the bigger picture, too. Players who shine in Champions League matches often catch the eye of European clubs. For Spivey, that kind of move really depends on getting consistent minutes in league games and putting in strong shifts during knockout rounds.
If he keeps developing, we might see him jump from MLS to Europe, using Champions League games as his launching pad. Other young midfielders have pulled that off, and honestly, Spivey’s technical skills make you wonder if he’s next in line.
