Earthquakes sign Australia’s top young goal scorer

The San Jose Earthquakes added a young scorer to their attacking threat Thursday as they prepare for the second half of the Major League Soccer season.

Luka Jovanović is joining up from Adelaide United FC, where he co-led the Australian A-League with 11 goals in the 2025-26 season.

At just 21 years old, the Australian-born striker has already made 77 appearances for Adelaide in Australia’s first division, with 23 goals and five assists over four seasons.

“San Jose was the right move for the next step in my career,” Jovanović said in an Earthquakes release. “The Earthquakes have done well so far this season, so hopefully I can score as many goals as I can for the club and win some trophies.”

Coach Bruce Arena’s side is third in goals in MLS, scoring 34 goals in 15 games even after losing striker duo Chicho Arango and Josef Martinez in the offseason, as well as top assist man and captain Cristian Espinoza. The Quakes, who are tied for first place in the Western Conference, have been paced by breakout forward Preston Judd, who is tied for fourth league-wide with 11 goals.

Jovanović has nine goals in 20 appearances at the Under-20 and Under-23 levels for the Socceroos. He will be on a U-22 initiative contract. Midfielder Niko Tsakiris is also on a U-22 contract, leaving the Quakes one more slot.

“Luka is a young striker with outstanding potential as demonstrated by his play this past year as the Golden Boot winner in the Australian first division,” coach Bruce Arena said in the release. “His work ethic and goalscoring make him an excellent addition to our roster and we welcome him to the San Jose Earthquakes.”

San Jose also shored up the future of its defense with a trio of signings Thursday: Benji Kikanović, Jamar Ricketts and Reid Roberts all signed contracts through the 2028-29 season with club options for the following season.

The Quakes’ defense has made a remarkable turnaround this year, allowing just 15 goals so far after giving up 63 last season.

Last week, Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn signed to join the team, and the Quakes traded keeper Daniel to FC Dallas in exchange for up to $1 million in general allocation money.

San Jose returns to MLS action next Wednesday, July 22 against Orlando at PayPal Park before hosting the LA Galaxy in the California Clasico at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, July 25.