Real Salt Lake Raids San Jose’s Youth Pipeline Again
Real Salt Lake is making a habit of plucking talent from the San Jose Earthquakes academy, and the latest addition has a familiar last name attached to it.
The Utah club announced Monday night they’ve acquired 17-year-old forward Chance Cowell from the Earthquakes in exchange for up to $650,000 in conditional General Allocation Money. The deal could pay out through 2030 if certain performance benchmarks are hit.
Here’s the kicker: Chance is the younger brother of former USMNT winger Cade Cowell, who made waves during his time in San Jose before heading overseas. Now RSL is betting the younger Cowell has that same spark.
Third Time’s the Charm for RSL
This marks the third time in recent years that Real Salt Lake has poached a homegrown talent from San Jose’s development system. Diego Luna and Owen Anderson both made the same journey from Northern California to Utah, and both have contributed to Pablo Mastroeni’s squad.
RSL isn’t just throwing darts at a board here. There’s clearly a scouting connection or pipeline between these two organizations that keeps producing results for the Claret-and-Cobalt.
Chance signed his Homegrown deal with San Jose on January 1, 2024, and has been grinding away with The Town FC, the Earthquakes’ MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. Over two seasons, he logged 29 appearances with 12 starts, posting two goals and two assists. Not eye-popping numbers, but enough to show flashes that caught RSL’s attention.
International Pedigree on Both Sides
The Ceres, California native holds dual citizenship with the United States and Mexico, which gives him flexibility on the international stage. He’s suited up for both federations at youth levels—wearing the Stars and Stripes for the U-15, U-16, and U-17 teams, while also representing El Tri’s U-15 squad.
That kind of international experience at such a young age speaks volumes about his potential ceiling. Real Salt Lake will now have the chance to develop him in their system as preseason kicks off this weekend in Herriman.
What’s Next for RSL
Cowell arrives just as RSL gears up for what should be one of the most exciting seasons in club history. Their 2026 schedule includes a visit from Lionel Messi and Inter Miami on April 22—likely the only time Utah fans will get to see the Argentine legend in person.
The club heads to Portugal later this month for the Atlantic Cup, facing Randers FC and Brøndby before wrapping up against FC Dallas. They’ll return stateside for a pair of tune-ups in Southern California before the regular season kicks off February 21 in Vancouver.
RSL’s home opener at America First Field is set for February 28 against the Seattle Sounders. With additions like Cowell and a roster that’s trending upward, expectations in Sandy are climbing fast.
