San Jose Earthquakes complete signing of Peru defender Miguel Trauco | OneFootball

The San Jose Earthquakes have completed the signing of Peru international left-back Miguel Trauco.

Arriving as a free agent after last playing in France's Ligue 1 for Saint-Etienne, Trauco has signed a contract with the Quakes through the 2023 MLS season with an option for a further year.

San Jose completed the deal shortly before the MLS roster freeze on September 2, with clubs no longer allowed to add players for the rest of the 2022 season.

“Miguel possesses very high-level experience for both club and country,” Earthquakes general manager Chris Leitch said in a club press release. “He’s played in the top leagues of Peru, Brazil, and France, represented his country at the last World Cup, and plays a position of need following the transfer of Marcos Lopez to Feyenoord. We’re excited to welcome him to our club and introduce him to our fans.”

Trauco is San Jose's third defensive signing of the summer alongside Equatorial Guinea international Carlos Akapo and Brazilian center-back Rodrigues.

Prior to his 72-game stint with Saint-Etienne, Trauco enjoyed spells with Flamengo in Brazil, as well as Universitario and Unión Comercio in his homeland, winning domestic honors with all three. At international level, the full-back has 68 senior caps for Peru.

The San Jose Earthquakes currently sit bottom of the Western Conference and 12 points adrift of the MLS Cup Playoffs spots, though they have played a game less than many of their rivals.