Cade Cowell and the San Jose Earthquakes are battling for a MLS postseason berth.

“It’s definitely an awesome feeling being in the mix,” the 17-year-old Ceres native stated during an Oct. 5 interview with The Courier. “I definitely believe we’re good enough to make playoffs. It’s going to take a lot of hard work. We have to keep pushing every single game.”

The Earthquakes climbed back into the race for a playoff berth after collecting four wins, one loss and one draw in a 22-day span.

San Jose (6-8-6) dropped from seventh to eighth in the MLS Western Conference Standings after losing 2-1 to Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday in Oregon.

Cowell, a 5-foot-10 166-pound winger/forward, contributed as a substitute in the second half.

He replaced Cristian Espinoza in the 80th minute.

The Earthquakes have three games left on their schedule.

San Jose will host Real Salt Lake today at 7:30 p.m. The game will broadcast on NBC Sports, California.

The Earthquakes’ final two regular-season opponents are Los Angeles FC (Nov. 1) and Seattle Sounders (FC (Nov. 8).

The top eight teams secure playoff berths.

“We are trying to finish the season the best way we can,” San Jose head coach Matias Almeyda said. “As long as we have a chance, we will fight until the last minute.”

Cowell has logged playing time in 14 games during his second season with the Earthquakes.

He’s started three times.

Cowell’s collected one goal and one assist.

He’s attempted 11 shots.

Cowell didn’t make any appearances in MLS play as a rookie.

“I’m pretty happy with how everything is going,” Cowell said while catching up with The Courier earlier this month. “I didn’t think I’d get as many minutes this year. You always have to be mentally and physical ready. It’s definitely been really fun. It’s a great group to play with. Everybody is super supportive.”

Cowell inked a five-year contract with San Jose at the age of 15 in January of 2019.

He became the youngest player signing in Earthquakes and Bay Area team sports history.

Cowell entered the record books on Aug. 29 by becoming the youngest player to start and score in team history in San Jose’s narrow 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy.

He also became the eighth-youngest goalscorer in league history.

Cowell made his MLS debut against Minnesota United FC on March 7.