In a move to become roster compliant ahead of the their MLS season opener on March 3, the San Jose Earthquakes exercised their one-time off-season option to buy out a guaranteed contract in releasing Simon Dawkins. The 30-year old midfielder had counted as a Designated Player and held an International Player slot on the Quakes senior roster, so his departure moves the team one step closer to roster compliance.
Dawkins had featured in 43 games since signing his DP contract with San Jose in 2016, but his attacking prowess was lacking, and he tallied only 5 goals in two seasons.