Cade Cowell Issue 14.4

CADE COWELL

Written by Brandon Roos | Photography by Daniel Garcia

Since signing the San Jose Earthquakes’ youngest pro contract, teenCade Cowell has emerged as a crowd favorite and an MLS All-Star.

There is plenty of buzz around what Cade Cowell has already accomplished before turning 21, and in turn, just what he’s capable of in the future. But don’t bother telling him about it— he’s too focused on turning that “potential” into fact.

The rising star is a bit more noticeable this season on field for the San Jose Earthquakes, sporting a long mane that’s best described as a blonde mullet-mohawk hybrid. He’s also got a cheetah tattooed on his thigh, a nod to his signature speed. If defenders choose to dismiss that warning sign, they likely won’t forget the number 44, and the name Cowell, should he pass them by. Good luck catching up.

Though he’s transitioned from heralded youth signing to first team crowd favorite in only a few seasons, his quick success is the result of a near lifetime devoted to sport. Starting with soccer and tee ball at age four, he, like his siblings, was involved in team sports practically from the time he could walk. Work ethic and competition have been part of Cowell’s makeup ever since.

In 2017, he broke through in spectacular fashion, netting 34 goals in 32 games. His unreal speed and aggressive attacking instincts established him as the most sought-after youth prospect in California. Over the span of a year, he went from running thankless drills to touring academy facilities of professional clubs throughout the western U.S. All were eager to sign him.

“That’s what kept me in the sport,” he says of the interest. “When all these things happen, it makes you want to train even harder. You see that those talks and long drives were worth it.”

While the Earthquakes didn’t have the same amenities as some of the other academies he visited, they did possess the asset most important to him. “It was close to home,” he shares with no hesitation. “You can’t beat having your family behind you for every single home game.”

He joined the Earthquakes academy in 2018, commuting nearly 100 miles each way to participate in training part-time. To help further his professional ambitions, his parents allowed him to move to San Jose and live with a host family. Alex Saunders, the Earthquakes’ director of operations, gladly took him in—and even taught him how to iron. Saunders had become a family friend over the years, first taking note of Cowell’s talent when he was 11. In early 2019, at 15 years and 102 days old, Cowell became the youngest player in Earthquakes—and Bay Area team sports—history to sign a major professional contract.

I was born with speed and athleticism, but I need to work on my technical stuff. My touch will never be as good as some of these guys, so [I need to] do all the boring stuff to improve it. At only 18, he’s already become a Quakes fan favorite, regularly receiving a friendly roar from the crowd when his name is called by the stadium announcer. His goals have become highlight fodder, showcasing an explosiveness that can change any game in an instant. The 2021 season was his best to date, earning him a spot on the MLS All-Star team. It’s a career highlight he places alongside his appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Even with his busy schedule, he still makes time for family whenever possible, riding back with them to his native Ceres after home games to enjoy quality time together before returning to San Jose for training. He likes video games, but he’s far from being glued to social media. Instead, he likes to simplify the world when he’s able. “I fish all the time. That’s what I love to do to get away from soccer,” he shares, recalling family trips to the Modesto Reservoir and Lake McClure.

When asked about the best soccer advice he’s ever received, he mentions a phrase former teammate and current assistant coach Chris Wondolowski would repeat to him: Don’t try to go out there and score. As Cowell explains, “It means don’t do too much. Just do the little things right, and that big moment will come.” Wondo’s advice fits Cowell’s own philosophy well and serves as a reminder to trust the process.

“It’s all I’ve ever done,” he says of his relentless work ethic. “My dad, mom, grandpa, they’ve all told me that you’re not going to do anything without working. I was born with speed and athleticism, but I need to work on my technical stuff. My touch will never be as good as some of these guys, so [I need to] do all the boring stuff to improve it.”

His ultimate goal is to play professionally in Europe, alongside the best players in the world. Scouts and sources say that move is only a matter of time. If his journey thus far is any indication, his constant focus on improvement will place him in the driver’s seat to make that dream a reality.