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MLS San Jose Earthquakes

Earthquakes Sign English Forward Darren Huckerby and Add MLS Veteran Forward Scott Sealy

July 14, 2008 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


SAN JOSE, CALIF. -- The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the team has signed English forward Darren Huckerby and acquired Kansas City Wizards forward Scott Sealy. Per league and team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Huckerby signed with the Earthquakes after San Jose acquired his rights from Toronto FC in exchange for allocation money and an international player slot. He will be added to the roster pending the arrival of his ITC and approval of his visa. Sealy was acquired in exchange for allocation money from the Wizards.

"Darren should make an immediate impact on our team with his ability to go forward," said General Manager of Soccer Operations John Doyle. "He can score goals and create goals, and he brings with him a wealth of experience in top leagues. We are excited to add a player of his experience and quality to our team."

Huckerby, 32, joins the Earthquakes after spending the last five seasons with Norwich City, located in Northeastern English coastal county, Norfolk. A fan favorite for the Canaries from 2003-2008, he appeared in over 200 matches, scoring 32 goals. He netted a goal in his final game for Norwich City against Sheffield Wednesday in a 4-1 win in May. During Huckerby's first season with Norwich from 2003-2004, he was crucial in the team's promotion from League One to the English Premier League, the club's first top flight status since 1995. He scored 14 goals that season. Huckerby was also voted Norwich player of the year by the club's supporters for his performances during the 2004-2005 and 2006-2007 league seasons. He has been named to the club's all-time Best XI.

"I have been a fan of Darren's play in England for a number of years," said Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop. "He has had a very impressive career over there and we are looking forward to bringing his exciting style of play here to the Earthquakes."

The Nottingham native has also had spells with other English clubs, including Manchester City, where he appeared in 69 matches between 2000-2003, scoring 22 times. He helped Manchester City capture the Division One title in 2002.

Prior to playing for Manchester City, he played parts of two seasons for Leeds United, making 40 appearances in league play, while also appearing in six UEFA Cup matches. He scored three goals in all competitions.

The striker also spent time at Coventry City between 1996-1999, appearing in over 90 matches and scoring 28 goals for the team. He helped Coventry maintain a spot in the Premier League in 1996. He started his career in 1993 with Lincoln City, where he played until 1995, with 28 appearances, scoring five times.

Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop's former club, Ipswich Town, and Huckerby's former club, Norwich City, share the East Anglian Derby, one of the fiercest rivalries in England. He has also been capped once for England, during a ‘B' run-up match to the 1998 World Cup.

Sealy, 27, is in his fourth season in Major League Soccer this year, and he has scored 28 goals and notched five assists in 88 games in his career. This season, he has played 13 games and scored two goals for the Wizards.

"Scott is a proven goal scorer in this league," said Doyle. "He has a good sense around the net and should immediately bolster our attack. He is an excellent addition to our team."

As a rookie in 2005, Sealy burst onto the MLS scene with nine goals and two assists and was named a finalist for MLS Rookie of the Year. He led all rookies in goals that year after netting his first career goal against the Earthquakes on April 23, 2005. He appeared in 28 games that season. After netting a career-high 10 goals in 2006, he scored seven more goals in just 18 appearances in 2007. He started all three playoff games for Kansas City in 2007 as he helped them reach the Western Conference Championship game.

A native of Trinidad, Sealy has made 12 appearances for the Trinidad and Tobago National Team. He scored a goal in his first appearance in a Trinidad and Tobago uniform on June 20, 2004 against the Dominican Republic. Sealy also played in several World Cup qualifying matches in 2005.

Prior to joining MLS, Sealy was a standout forward for Wake Forest. He finished his career as Wake Forest's second all-time leading goal scorer with 43 goals. Sealy was named All-Atlantic Coast Conference First Team along with being Offensive Player of the Year in his senior year. He played with fellow San Jose teammates James Riley and Amir Lowery at Wake Forest.

Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) - Earthquakes acquire rights to F Darren Huckerby from Toronto FC in exchange for allocation money and an international player slot. Earthquakes sign F Darren Huckerby. Earthquakes acquire F Scott Sealy from Kansas City in exchange for allocation money.

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