Wilson Eisner, San JOSE Earthquakes, Defender, #27: Career & Profile
When you watch Wilson Eisner step onto the pitch, you’re seeing a defender who brings discipline and real composure to the back line. You know him as #27 for the San Jose Earthquakes, a role that really highlights his steady rise from college standout at Cornell University to the pro game.
He’s earned every step, moving from development to the MLS stage with a focus that’s hard not to notice.
You probably follow Eisner for more than just his number. He stands for something bigger—a club that’s building for the future.
His time with the San Jose Earthquakes, and now with The Town FC in MLS NEXT Pro, shows how he juggles growth and responsibility. That balance makes his right back role more than just a position; it’s become a cornerstone of his team’s defensive setup.
As you dig into Eisner’s career, you can see how his physical tools and tactical awareness shape his impact. He’s not about hype. His progression from Cornell to a professional contract tells a story of steady development.
That’s what makes following his journey with the Earthquakes actually interesting.
Contents
Wilson Eisner’s Role as Defender #27
Eisner brings a mix of local roots and college experience to the back line. He developed at Cornell University, then stepped into Major League Soccer, showing he can adapt to tougher competition while filling a versatile role in defense.
Position and Playing Style
You’ll usually see Eisner at right back, but he’s got the frame and awareness to fill in at center back too. At 6-foot and 165 pounds, he’s got enough size to compete physically, yet he moves well out wide.
His style? It’s steady, not flashy. He focuses on positioning, reading the game, and keeping threats in front of him.
You’ll notice him timing tackles and making smart passes out of the back, rather than taking wild risks.
At Cornell, Eisner picked up First Team All-Ivy League honors as a freshman. That showed he could defend against top college attackers and sharpened his one-on-one defending.
That experience gave him the confidence to step into MLS competition.
Here’s a quick look at what defines his role:
| Attribute | Strength Level |
|---|---|
| Positioning | Strong |
| One-on-One Defending | Strong |
| Aerial Ability | Moderate |
| Passing Accuracy | Reliable |
| Versatility (RB/CB) | High |
Jersey Number Significance
You’ll spot Eisner in the number 27 for San Jose Earthquakes. It’s not a classic defender’s number, but it often means a younger player is breaking into the first team.
For Eisner, the number is more practical than symbolic. It fits his current status—a developing player expected to contribute and keep growing.
Soccer numbers tend to shift as players become regulars. If Eisner locks down a long-term spot, maybe he’ll switch to a lower number that’s more traditional for defenders.
For now, #27 fits him as a homegrown signing working toward a bigger role.
Wearing that number, he bridges his Cornell days and his pro career in the Bay Area. It’s a sign of both progress and potential.
San jose Earthquakes: Club Overview
You’re following a club that plays at the top level of American soccer and has a real reputation for developing local talent.
The organization balances MLS ambitions with strong community ties and player development. That opens a direct path for prospects like Wilson Eisner, a Cornell product, to reach the first team.
MLS Participation
The San Jose Earthquakes (yeah, most folks just call them the Earthquakes) compete in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top pro league in the U.S. and Canada.
They play in the Western Conference, taking on rivals like LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders.
The Earthquakes work under the league’s salary cap and roster rules, including the Homegrown Player Rule. That rule lets local academy players like Eisner sign straight to the first team.
This setup helps the team balance international signings and homegrown development.
They play home matches at PayPal Park in San Jose, California—a soccer-specific stadium with just over 18,000 seats. The steep stands and lively supporters’ section pull you right into the action.
Key club details:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| League | Major League Soccer (Western) |
| Stadium | PayPal Park, San Jose, CA |
| Capacity | ~18,000 |
| Notable Rule Impact | Homegrown Player contracts |
Team History and Reputation
The Earthquakes go all the way back to MLS’s start in 1996. They’ve got two MLS Cup titles (2001 and 2003), which put them on the map early as a tough team.
They’ve built a reputation for developing young Bay Area players. The club leans on its academy to produce pros who contribute in MLS and sometimes internationally.
They’ve had ups and downs, including a 2006 relocation to Houston. The Earthquakes came back to San Jose in 2008, restoring their identity and fan base.
Now, the Earthquakes blend tradition with youth development. Players like Wilson Eisner—who grew up in Menlo Park and starred at Cornell—really show the club’s ongoing commitment to local talent.
The fan culture stands out, too. Supporters’ groups like the 1906 Ultras create a unique matchday vibe.
That local spirit helps the Earthquakes keep a strong spot in the Bay Area sports scene.
Professional Career with San Jose Earthquakes
Wilson Eisner entered the pro ranks with a pretty clear path, moving from Cornell to the Earthquakes system. The club’s commitment to local talent shows in how they brought him in, giving him early chances with their second team before moving him up to MLS.
Homegrown Player Contract Details
You can see the value in Eisner’s deal—it connects his development years directly to his pro future.
The Earthquakes signed him as a Homegrown Player, which lets MLS clubs bring up academy players without the draft. Eisner grew up in Menlo Park, California, and started training with the Earthquakes as early as 2021.
He signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with The Town FC for the second half of 2024, then shifts to a full MLS contract on January 1, 2025. The deal runs through 2025, with a club option for 2026.
That gives the Earthquakes flexibility and gives Eisner time to prove himself.
Contract Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Status | Homegrown Player |
| MLS Contract Start | January 1, 2025 |
| Contract End | December 31, 2025 |
| Club Option | 2026 |
| Previous Team | The Town FC (MLS NEXT Pro) |
| College | Cornell University |
2025 Roster and MLS NEXT Pro Involvement
In 2025, Eisner splits his time between first-team duties and minutes with The Town FC in MLS NEXT Pro. That helps him stay sharp and get used to the pace and physicality of MLS.
He plays mainly as a defender, either at center back or right back. That versatility gives the Earthquakes options when injuries or rotation hit.
His time with The Town FC means he gets consistent playing time, which is key for a 23-year-old still developing.
Transfermarkt lists Eisner joining The Town FC in February 2025 on loan from the Earthquakes. His contract lines up with the end of the 2025 season, matching his MLS deal.
This dual registration is pretty common in MLS. Clubs want young players competing regularly without losing their spot on the senior roster.
For Earthquakes fans, Eisner is definitely a player to watch. His local roots, steady climb from Cornell, and professional attitude make him a meaningful addition to the team’s depth.
Collegiate Achievements and Early Development
You can follow Wilson Eisner’s path from his college career to his early academy days.
At Cornell, he earned recognition in the Ivy League. His time with the San Jose Earthquakes Academy laid the groundwork for his pro future.
Cornell University Soccer Career
At Cornell, Eisner established himself as a reliable defender who could chip in on attack. He posted nine points—three goals and three assists—over three seasons with the Big Red.
His freshman year really stood out. He earned a First-Team All-Ivy nod, which is rare for a first-year. By his junior year, he picked up a Second-Team All-Ivy honor, showing he could perform against top competition.
Here’s a quick look at his college stats:
| Season | Goals | Assists | Points | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 1 | 5 | First-Team All-Ivy |
| 2023 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Second-Team All-Ivy |
Coaches valued his defending, leadership, and professionalism. Leaving Cornell early for a pro contract showed he was ready and that San Jose trusted him.
Youth Academy and Early Recognition
Before college, Eisner’s potential already showed in the San Jose Earthquakes Academy. The academy gave him steady training against strong opponents and prepared him for MLS’s demands.
His academy experience put him on the radar as a Homegrown Player. That let San Jose sign him straight to the first team.
Eisner stood out for reading the game, winning defensive duels, and pushing forward with composure. Coaches often highlighted his maturity, which set him apart.
The mix of academy and college success explains why San Jose moved quickly to sign him, as you can see in the official announcement.
Physical Profile and On-Field Strengths
Wilson Eisner brings a steady physical presence and reliable defensive skills, making him a consistent pick for the back line. His frame and movement fit his right back role, while his positioning and awareness help him avoid mistakes in tough moments.
Height and Physical Attributes
Eisner stands at 1.83 meters (6 feet)—a good size for a modern defender. His height helps him in aerial duels, especially against taller forwards.
You’ll notice how he uses his body to shield the ball and win space.
His weight distribution and long stride let him cover ground efficiently. He doesn’t have blazing speed, but his acceleration is good enough to close down the flank.
That combo makes him dependable when tracking runners or stepping into midfield support.
His physical profile helps him absorb contact, too. At 23, he’s still building strength, but he already holds his line well against more physical attackers.
You can see it when he leans into challenges and stays balanced under pressure.
Key Physical Data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft) |
| Position | Defender, Right Back |
| Foot | Right |
| Jersey Number | #27 |
Defensive Skills and Tactical Awareness
Eisner shows a disciplined approach, shaped by his time with the San Jose Earthquakes academy and The Town FC. He reads the game well, stepping into passing lanes instead of chasing after the ball without purpose.
When he plays right back, you’ll spot him anticipating wide runs and shifting early. He angles his body to push attackers inside, where midfielders can help out. That kind of tactical awareness means he rarely ends up isolated in one-on-one situations.
Eisner tackles with precision. He doesn’t dive in; instead, he waits for the perfect moment to step forward. That patience helps him avoid fouls and stay ready for transitions.
After a turnover, he reacts fast and works to reset the team’s shape.
He talks a lot on the pitch, directing teammates into better spots. That leadership stands out, especially for his age. Paired with his smart positioning, he’s a defensive option you can rely on in MLS NEXT Pro.
If you want more details, check out his player profile on Transfermarkt.
Career Statistics and Performance Highlights
Wilson Eisner comes across as a steady defender, building his game on consistency more than flash. His stats point to reliability—appearances, minutes, and defensive work. You’ll also see attacking contributions and some well-earned recognition since his UCLA days.
Appearances and Match Ratings
Eisner splits his time between the San Jose Earthquakes and their affiliate, The Town FC, in MLS NEXT Pro. At 23, he’s already logged professional minutes in both MLS and the developmental league.
He’s mostly played right back, staying active in the rotation—especially in 2025, when he went out on loan for more starts.
His match ratings usually highlight his defensive positioning and stamina. He’s not the guy making headlines, but he stays switched on for all 90 minutes, and that’s valuable.
Coaches trust him with one-on-one duels and to keep the back line organized.
Key Stats (2024–2025):
| Season | Club | Appearances | Minutes Played | Avg Match Rating* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | San Jose Earthquakes | 7 | 430 | 6.6 |
| 2025 | The Town FC (loan) | 15 | 1,120 | 6.8 |
*Ratings based on available match data from Transfermarkt.
Goals, Assists, and Awards
Eisner isn’t really the defender you expect to see on the scoresheet. Throughout his pro career, he almost never finds the net.
In 2025 with The Town FC, he managed 0 goals and 1 assist—so, every now and then, he pushes forward from the right and makes something happen.
If you look at his output, you notice his value shows up in other ways. He makes his mark with interceptions, clearances, and those gritty recovery runs, not flashy attacking stats.
That lone assist? He whipped in a low cross into the box—a quick reminder that he can join the attack if he gets the room.
He hasn’t exactly racked up awards, but the recognition he’s gotten feels earned. Eisner grabbed spots in several MLS matchday squads and got some praise for his work rate in NEXT Pro games.
He hasn’t picked up any major trophies yet. Still, his steady growth at UCLA and now as a pro explains why San Jose keeps betting on him.
