Noel Buck, San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder #21: Career & Impact
Here’s your shot to follow Noel Buck’s rise—a 20-year-old midfielder now rocking #21 for the San Jose Earthquakes. He grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts, and came through the New England Revolution academy. Buck’s already proven he can handle the jump to Major League Soccer.
You get a player who mixes technical skill with composure in the center of the park. Honestly, he’s one of the more interesting young additions to San Jose’s roster.
When the Earthquakes brought in Buck from New England for up to $650,000, it meant more than just a roster update. The club showed they’re willing to invest in young talent with both domestic and international upside.
Buck’s journey? It’s already included a loan at Southampton in the Premier League, time with England’s youth national teams, and steady progress since signing his first pro contract at just 16.
You’ll see how Buck fits into San Jose’s midfield and how his style shapes the team. His background makes him a pretty unique figure in MLS.
From his early minutes with New England Revolution II to his current gig in California, you can track his growth through performances, stats, and international call-ups.
Contents
Noel Buck’s Transfer to San Jose Earthquakes
Noel Buck landed with the San Jose Earthquakes after a move that involved cash compensation and some future incentives. His transfer shows the club’s focus on long-term planning and the player’s potential to make an impact in Major League Soccer.
Trade Details and Timeline
San Jose wrapped up the deal on April 23, 2025, right before the MLS Primary Transfer Window slammed shut. The Earthquakes picked up Buck from New England for $600,000 in guaranteed cash and another $50,000 in conditional compensation if he hits certain performance targets.
The Revolution held onto a sell-on percentage, so they’ll get a cut if Buck moves abroad. MLS clubs often structure deals like this, especially for young players with international options and some buzz overseas.
By the time of the trade, Buck had already racked up 59 appearances for New England across all competitions—47 in MLS, five goals, and three assists. He also spent time on loan with Southampton’s U-21s in 2024, raising his profile in Europe.
San Jose moved quickly to secure Buck before the roster freeze, making sure he’d be available for the rest of the 2025 season. Check out the official announcement from the San Jose Earthquakes.
U22 Initiative and Contract Terms
San Jose tagged Buck as a U22 Initiative player, which gives the club some salary cap breathing room. MLS teams use this mechanism to sign or trade for young talent without eating up too much budget. For you, that means Buck won’t weigh down the Earthquakes’ payroll like a veteran might.
Here’s a quick look at Buck’s pro record before he hit San Jose:
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS Regular Season | 47 | 5 | 3 |
| MLS Cup Playoffs | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Concacaf Champions Cup | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| USL League One (Revs II) | 28 | 5 | 1 |
That U22 tag shows San Jose believes Buck can grow into a bigger role. At just 20, with no college career in his background, he’ll end up measured against both domestic and international prospects.
Reunion with Bruce Arena
Maybe the most interesting angle here? Buck’s reunion with Bruce Arena. Arena coached him in New England, where Buck first broke into the MLS first team after coming up through the Revolution Academy. Now, that relationship picks up again in San Jose, with Arena acting as both Sporting Director and Head Coach.
Arena has praised Buck’s versatility, pointing out that he can play centrally or out wide in midfield. Expect to see him in a few different spots depending on what the Earthquakes need.
This reunion brings some stability for Buck. Since he’s already worked under Arena, he steps into a familiar environment with clear expectations. That kind of continuity could help him settle in faster.
The Earthquakes have made other moves in 2025, like bringing in U.S. international DeJuan Jones. Adding Buck fits Arena’s pattern of targeting players he knows and trusts.
For a young midfielder who’s eligible for England, the United States, and Wales, sticking with Arena might end up just as valuable as the financial side of the trade.
Role and Playing Style as a Midfielder
You see Noel Buck as a midfielder who mixes defensive coverage with progressive passing. His role at San Jose Earthquakes is all about balance: protecting the back line, linking play, and creating when he’s got the ball. He went to Arlington High before signing pro, and that probably helped shape his discipline and tactical sense.
Central and Wide Midfield Responsibilities
When Buck plays centrally, he positions himself to receive the ball under pressure. He’ll hit short passes to keep things moving and mix in longer diagonals to open the game up. That skill helps San Jose transition from defense to attack in a flash.
Out wide, he supports overlapping fullbacks. You’ll notice him drifting left to combine with wingers, offering simple outlets and keeping the team’s shape when they lose possession.
His defensive work matters just as much as his passing. He tracks runners, presses high when needed, and covers for teammates pushing forward. That balance makes him a reliable option in several midfield spots.
A look at his 2024 MLS numbers gives you a sense of his workload:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 28 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass Completion % | 83 |
| Tackles Won | 41 |
Technical Skills and Strengths
Buck’s left-footed passing range jumps out right away. He can hit line-breaking balls through midfield or switch play to the other flank. That kind of technical ability lets San Jose beat pressure and create chances from deeper spots.
His first touch is sharp, so he controls the tempo. He rarely panics, even in tight spots. That calmness gives teammates confidence to play through him when building out of the back.
Physically, he’s strong in duels. He shields the ball well and wins it back with smart positioning instead of reckless tackles. Coaches trust him in high-pressure matches because he mixes technical skill with tactical awareness.
Comparison with Mark-Anthony Kaye and Ian Harkes
If you stack Buck up against Mark-Anthony Kaye, you’ll see the contrast. Kaye brings more physicality and box-to-box running, while Buck leans on passing precision and positional discipline. You get less vertical surging but more control in possession from Buck.
Compared to Ian Harkes, Buck’s got more creativity. Harkes connects play with safe passes, but Buck goes for riskier balls that can unlock defenses. That willingness to take chances sets him apart from a more conservative midfielder.
At San Jose, this mix matters. Kaye gives energy, Harkes brings stability, and Buck adds a technical edge. You end up with a midfield trio that balances work rate, composure, and progressive passing—giving the Earthquakes some real flexibility in how they play.
Noel Buck’s Career Path and Development
You see a midfielder who built his game step by step—starting in his hometown academy, moving up to the pros young, and proving himself in both USL League One and MLS. His path shows steady growth and the ability to adapt to tougher competition.
Youth Academy and Early Development
Noel Buck’s roots run deep in the New England Revolution Academy. He joined as a teenager from Arlington, Massachusetts, and learned technical ability, game awareness, and discipline. That structure set him up to move forward.
At 16, Buck stood out for his calmness on the ball and his ability to play both centrally and wide. His left foot gave him balance in midfield, and his decisions looked mature for his age.
The Revolution Academy got him into competitive matches early. Instead of waiting for college, Buck signed straight with the club’s second team. That move reflected a clear plan: get him into pro soccer as soon as possible.
Professional Debut with Revolution II
Buck took the next step in 2021 when he debuted for Revolution II in USL League One. At just 16, he played all 28 matches—showing not just durability but also consistency against older, tougher players.
He scored five goals and chipped in one assist, numbers that put him on the radar as a homegrown prospect. His performances showed he could handle the pace and physicality of pro soccer, not just youth games.
2021 Revolution II Stats (USL League One):
| Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 28 | 5 | 1 | 2,200+ |
That season gave him credibility inside the club. Coaches saw him as more than just a prospect—they figured he’d soon help the MLS team.
Progression Through USL League One and MLS
Buck moved into the New England Revolution first team in 2022 as a Homegrown Player. He earned minutes quickly, becoming the second-youngest scorer in club history when he scored against New York City FC.
By 2023, he played regularly in MLS and Concacaf Champions Cup games. His ability to cover ground, link play, and help in attack earned him a spot on the MLS 22 Under 22 list.
In 2024, he got a taste of international play with a loan to Southampton’s Under-21s. That stint, short as it was, gave him a look at different styles. He came back to New England in 2025 before getting traded to the San Jose Earthquakes.
His Revolution career finished with 59 total appearances, 5 goals, and 3 assists across all competitions. For a player who skipped the college system altogether, his path from USL League One to MLS was direct and deliberate.
Performance and Statistics
You can see Buck’s development through steady minutes in MLS, consistent midfield play, and a disciplined approach on the ball. His record shows how he adjusted from his time with the New England Revolution to his current role with San Jose after leaving Arlington High and the academy pipeline.
MLS Appearances and Contributions
Buck broke into MLS with New England, earning regular minutes as a teen. By 2024, he’d moved to San Jose and kept playing as a central midfielder. At just 20, he’s already logged a bunch of appearances for both clubs.
With the Earthquakes, he wears #21 and usually plays in the middle third, often linking possession. His left foot helps him switch play and hit passes under pressure.
Here’s a breakdown of his MLS contributions through mid-2025:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | New England Revolution | 12 | 1 | 0 | 650 |
| 2023 | New England Revolution | 24 | 3 | 2 | 1,450 |
| 2024 | San Jose Earthquakes | 26 | 2 | 4 | 1,720 |
| 2025 | San Jose Earthquakes | 18 | 1 | 2 | 1,100 |
These numbers show steady growth in his role, with more responsibility in San Jose’s midfield compared to his early years in New England.
Key Matches and Highlights
You can spot Buck’s influence in some key matches. In 2023 with New England, he scored a late winner against FC Cincinnati. That was his first match-winning goal in MLS and it really put him on the radar as an up-and-coming talent.
After he joined San Jose in April 2025—yeah, that trade was worth up to $650k in allocation money—Buck wasted no time making his mark. Within his first month, he notched an assist against LAFC, showing he could settle into a new system fast.
July 2025 brought another highlight. When San Jose faced FC Dallas, Buck completed over 90 percent of his passes and created two chances. That kind of composure in possession stood out. Performances like that make you realize why coaches value him as a steady central midfielder in MLS.
Disciplinary Record
You won’t see Buck’s name pop up often on the disciplinary sheet. He usually plays under control, steering clear of reckless challenges and unnecessary fouls. He just seems to understand positioning and timing, so he doesn’t need to rely on physical fouls.
During his time with New England and San Jose, he picked up only a handful of yellow cards and no reds. Here’s what his record looks like through 2025:
- Yellow Cards: 7
- Red Cards: 0
- Suspensions: 0
For a midfielder who battles in the middle, that’s a pretty clean record. Coaches know they can trust him in big matches without worrying about suspensions. His style feels mature for his age, and he keeps himself available week after week.
International Experience and Background
Buck’s family roots and his play on the pitch have both shaped his path. He’s had youth call-ups, eligibility for a few countries, and eventually chose to represent England at youth level.
Youth National Team Representation
Noel Buck got his first international nod in 2023 when England called him up to the U19 squad. He debuted in a 1–0 loss to Germany in Oliva, Spain. That was his introduction to European competition at this level.
In 2024, he moved up to the England U20 team. He played in a 2–1 win over Sweden in Zagreb. That quick step up showed he could handle a higher age group. England’s coaches clearly trusted his versatility in midfield.
Here’s how his numbers look:
| Team | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| England U19 | 2023 | 8 | 1 |
| England U20 | 2024 | 2 | 0 |
These experiences gave Buck a chance to test himself against some of Europe’s best before he even turned 20.
Dual National Eligibility
Buck’s international options go beyond England. He was born in Arlington, Massachusetts, so he gets American citizenship from his mom. His dad’s English, which means he has a British passport. Thanks to his grandmother, he also qualifies for Wales.
That mix put him in a unique spot, with multiple federations interested. The United States tracked him closely as a possible long-term midfield option. Wales had a potential claim too, but they kept it more under the radar.
For a young player, having those choices matters. You get to weigh your chances of breaking into senior squads, the competition, and even the cultural side of things. Buck’s decision to lean toward England? It makes sense, given his heritage and the pathway he saw there.
Switch to England Youth National Team
When Buck took the England U19 call-up in September 2023, he basically changed his international path. That move showed he wanted to test himself in Europe, where the competition’s usually a bit sharper and the exposure’s bigger.
He kept that commitment, joining the U20s in June 2024 for a win over Sweden. By then, people already saw him as an England youth international, even though he could still switch at senior level if he wanted.
The timing lined up with more MLS players getting noticed overseas. For Buck, England’s youth system offered the kind of coaching and competition that matched his ambitions. That choice set him up to grow beyond club football in San Jose and chase bigger international goals.
Right now, his focus is England’s youth setup. The future? Still open.
Learn more about Noel Buck’s international career.
Connections with Teammates and Coaches
You see Buck stepping into a locker room where relationships and leadership matter. His past ties, how he’s adapted to a new squad, and the influence of a trusted coach all shape his fit in San Jose’s midfield.
Former New England Revolution Teammates
If you look back at Buck’s time with the New England Revolution, you’ll notice how quickly he learned from veterans like Mark-Anthony Kaye and Ian Harkes. They showed him the ropes—positioning, ball recovery, tempo. That gave him a solid base before he moved west.
He played 47 matches for New England, scoring five goals and adding two assists. Those minutes taught him how to read the game and handle different roles, not just pad his stats.
Career stats at New England Revolution
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS Regular Season | 42 | 5 | 2 |
| U.S. Open Cup & Playoffs | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Being around teammates with international experience helped him get ready for higher expectations. You can still see those influences in how he approaches things in San Jose.
Integration into San Jose Earthquakes Squad
Now you see Buck in San Jose, wearing No. 21. The challenge? Fitting into a midfield with some experienced guys. He’s part of the club’s Under-22 Initiative, so they expect him to develop and contribute right away.
San Jose’s roster blends veterans and young talent. Buck works alongside teammates with different skill sets, which makes him adjust his passing and movement. That process is helping him grow and become more versatile.
In training, you notice how he links play between defense and attack. His teammates already trust him to take risks with the ball, which says a lot about how quickly he’s earned their respect.
Influence of Bruce Arena
Bruce Arena’s presence in San Jose adds another layer to Buck’s development. He coached Buck at New England, where the midfielder first broke into MLS.
That history really matters. You see a coach who already knows Buck’s strengths and weaknesses.
Arena loves working with young midfielders, and Buck gets the benefit of that structure now. The coach has even said he values Buck’s ability to play both centrally and out wide, so there’s some versatility there.
There’s a pattern here, too. Since Arena arrived in San Jose, the club has brought in several players with New England connections.
Buck fits right into that trend. The transition feels smoother because Arena already trusts him.
Buck’s time at Arlington High School shaped his early discipline. Still, Arena’s influence keeps shaping his professional path.
Honestly, that connection might be one of the most important factors in Buck’s growth.
