Quakes send goalkeeper to Columbus for cash ahead of MLS opener

The San Jose Earthquakes trade backup goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell to Columbus Crew SC for $75,000 in general allocation money.

SAN JOSE — The Earthquakes have sent backup goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell to Columbus Crew SC in exchange for $75,000 in general allocation money for the 2020 season, the team announced today.

Tarbell, 26, had fallen to third in the depth chart ahead of the Major League Soccer season opener Feb. 29 at Earthquakes Stadium. The Quakes are banking on last year’s starter Daniel Vega and rising Homegrown talent JT Marcinkowski, a De La Salle High alumnus who probably would make the roster if the United States qualifies this year for the Tokyo Olympics.

The Quakes also would receive additional allocation money if Tarbell reaches certain performance-based goals, the team announced.

Tarbell made 41 appearances for San Jose, including 40 starts, from 2016-19. He was an overall eighth pick in the 2016 draft after coming out of Clemson University. At the time, San Jose executives wanted a top goalkeeper because of concerns that starter David Bingham would leave for Europe. Instead, Bingham fell out of favor after general manager Jesse Fioranelli took over the team in 2017. Bingham, of Castro Valley, now plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

“We are grateful for Andrew’s service for the Earthquakes over the past four seasons,” Fioranelli said in a statement. “He stood out as one of the most respected players in our club and I am glad that this trade gives him a great opportunity to pursue new personal and professional goals.”

Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said Tabell will be a good addition.

“He is someone who will push our goalkeeping group, as well as help us strengthen our roster,” Bezbatchenko said in a statement.