Fourteen-year-old Ceres native Chance Cowell experienced the same thrill as his older brother Cade when he signed a contract with the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer (MLS) on May 4.
“It’s really crazy to process,” said Chance, who graduated from Elk Grove Charter School during the 2022-23 academic year. “I’m walking the path of a pro right now. I’m really blessed.”
“He (Cade) paved the way for me to do it,” he 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, a 5-foot-7 140-pound forward, moved to San Jose two weeks ago.
“It’s going to kill me not being able to see him every day but I know God has big plans for his life and it’s definitely time for him to fly,” said father Debin Cowell in an Instagram post. “There is no doubt in my mind he will be on the big state very soon. I love you bub @chance_cowell08.”
Cowell will join Earthquakes II on an MLS NEXT Pro contract for the 2023 season before becoming an Earthquakes Homegrown player effective Jan. 1, 2024.
His MLS contract runs through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028.
In April, Chance helped the Earthquakes’ U15 squad reach the Round of 16 of the Generation Adidas Cup in Florida.
In March, Cowell participated in the U.S. Youth National Team Regional ID Center in Pleasanton.
He’s been called up three times to Mexico’s Under -15 Men’s Youth National Soccer Team.
“Chance is a player who is close to our Quakes family and we have been keeping our eye on,” said San Jose General Manager Chris Leitch.
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.
“I would like to give a special thanks to Sacramento Republic for making me the player I am today,” Chance Cowell stated in an Instagram post. “The club gave me every opportunity to shine and I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Growing up in a family full of accomplished athletes has had a positive impact on Chance. He’s the youngest of three siblings.
Older sister Cylee helped lead Turlock High School’s girls soccer team to a 12-3-3 overall record, first-place finish in the Central California Conference standings (9-0-1) and a berth to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-I playoffs this past winter. The junior fullback starred on defense as the Bulldogs allowed just five goals in CCC play and 13 in a total of 18 games. Cylee tallied three goals and two assists on the season.
Chance’s parents were both standout athletes at Ceres High School.
Debin earned seven varsity letters, including four in baseball and three in football.
He played receiver at San Jose State for one season.
Amber earned six varsity letters, including four in softball and two in basketball.
Cade inked a Homegrown Player contract with the Earthquakes at the age of 15 in January of 2019. The 2018 Cesar Chavez Jr. High grad enjoyed a career-year at forward with San Jose in 2021 as he collected five goals and six assists. He also recorded career highs in appearances (33), starts (14), minutes (1,664) and shots (42) while earning the club’s Young Player of the Year award and a selection to the 2021 MLS All-Star Team.
Cade represented the U.S. Under-20 Men’s Youth National Team at the May 20-June 11 FIFA World Cup in Argentina.
He tallied three goals and one assist as the Americans reached the quarterfinals of the 24-team tournament.
“I’m very thankful for my family,” Chance said. “They’re my biggest supporters.”
“Cade’s really excited for me,” he added. “He told me this would come one day. I love the fact I can ask him for anything and he’ll be there. We want the best for each other. We want each other to succeed. I’m looking forward to becoming the player I’ve always wanted to be. I want to step on the same field as my brother at the same time. That would be amazing.”
