Ceres native Chance Cowell made his debut at the age of 16 with The Town FC, the San Jose Earthquakes’ Major League Soccer NEXT Pro reserve team, earlier this month in Minnesota.
“It’s a small step in the right direction for my development,” he said.
Cowell contributed at winger during The Town FC’s 5-3 penalty-kick shootout loss to Minnesota United FC on Aug. 8.
He entered the match in the 84th minute.
“I logged my playing time on the right wing,” he said. “I think I did well on the ball and chose to make the right decisions while being calm and had some well moments when I tracked back to defend.”
Unable to make the trip to Minnesota to watch their son play, Debin and Amber watched the game on Apple TV. They plan to attend Chance’s home matches in Moraga.
“It would have been nice to see him (in person),” Debin said. “It was still very exciting. We got to see him run out for the first time and watch him play with some first-team players. He played well. He looked like he belonged. He worked hard to get this opportunity.”
Cowell has rostered five times with The Town FC this season.
He’s the youngest player on the team.
“I’m very thankful for everyone that has taken me under their wing and helped me throughout the time I have been there,” Cowell said. “The biggest differences that stand out to me are the speed of play on and off the ball and the communication on the field is a lot higher. A goal I have for the remainder of the season is to score a goal and I have high expectations for myself.”
Cowell signed a contract with the Earthquakes at the age of 14 on May 4, 2003.
He experienced the same thrill as his older brother Cade, who inked a contract with San Jose at the age of 15 in January of 2019.
“I’m walking the path of a pro right now,” he stated. “I’m really blessed.”
“He (Cade) paved the way for me to do it,” Chance added. “He was there before I was there. He made me believe in myself. He’s a great older brother. He’s always been there for me.”
Cowell’s MLS contract runs through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028.
Chance was supposed to travel with the United States Under-16 Men’s Youth National Soccer Team to Argentina this summer for tournament play but had to withdraw due to a hamstring injury suffered in Academy playoffs.
A dual-citizen, Cowell has been called up three times to Mexico’s U15 National Team.
“Chance is a player who is close to our Quakes family and we have been keeping our eye on,” San Jose General Manager Chris Leitch said following Cowell’s signing with the MLS club.
Cowell started playing soccer at the age of four.
He was a member of the Ceres Youth Soccer Organization’s recreational league for one season.
He played club soccer for the Modesto Ajax and Ceres Earthquakes.
“I’ve always loved soccer,” Chance said. “I took a break for two years when I was 10 or 11 to play tackle football for the Ceres Seahawks. I went back to it (soccer). Putting in extra time before and after training helped me a lot. I’m older now. I need more exposure to the soccer world. The Quakes offered to give me that.”
Prior to signing with San Jose, Cowell suited up for the Sacramento Republic FC Academy. He logged playing time on the U14, U15 and U17 teams. Chance joined the Academy in April 2021.
“The club gave me every opportunity to shine and I wouldn’t be here without them,” he said.
Growing up in a family full of accomplished athletes has had a positive impact on Chance. He’s the youngest of three siblings.
Cade currently plays pro soccer for Chivas de Guadalajara in the Liga MX League.
Cade has earned eight caps with the United States Men’s National Team.
Sister Cylee played four seasons of varsity soccer at the prep level, including her final three at Turlock High.
She enjoyed her best season to date senior year as she totaled 12 goals and five assists. She was voted Central California Athletic League’s Offensive Player of the Year.
Chance’s parents were both standout athletes at Ceres High School.
“I’m very thankful for my family,” Chance said. “They’re my biggest supporters.”
