Cade Cowell
Cade Cowell is an American professional soccer player who plays as a left winger for Liga MX club Guadalajara (Chivas) and the United States men's national team (USMNT).[1][2] Born on October 14, 2003, in Ceres, California, Cowell holds dual citizenship with Mexico and began his professional career with Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes, signing as their youngest homegrown player at age 15 years and 102 days on January 23, 2019.[3][4] Cowell made his MLS debut with the Earthquakes later that year and quickly became a key prospect, scoring his first professional goal on August 29, 2020, against LA Galaxy.[3] Over five seasons with San Jose (2019–2023), he appeared in 106 MLS regular season matches—the youngest player in MLS history to reach that milestone—while recording 10 goals and 11 assists.[4][5] In January 2024, Cowell transferred to Chivas for a club-record $4 million fee plus add-ons and a sell-on percentage, marking a significant move to Mexican football where he has since played as a Mexican-eligible player due to his heritage.[6][7] In the 2025–26 Liga MX season, he has featured in 13 matches, logging 492 minutes and scoring 1 goal.[5] Internationally, Cowell debuted for the USMNT senior team in 2022 and has earned 11 caps with 1 goal as of November 2025.[1] He previously represented the U.S. at youth levels, including scoring on debut for the U-16s in 2018 and contributing to the U-17s in the Nike International Friendlies.[3] Standing at 6 feet tall, Cowell is noted for his speed and versatility, often deploying as a forward or on the left flank, and was ranked No. 2 nationally in the Class of 2022 by TopDrawerSoccer during his academy days.[1][3]Early life
Family background
Cade Dylan Cowell was born on October 14, 2003, in Ceres, California, a small working-class city in the Modesto metropolitan area of the Central Valley.[8][9] He is the son of Debin Slade Cowell, an American of European descent who excelled in high school football, and Amber Maldonado Cowell, a Mexican-American whose family heritage traces back to Mexican roots in the region.[8] This maternal lineage has deeply shaped Cowell's bicultural identity, instilling a sense of pride in his Chicano background and connection to Mexican traditions alongside his American upbringing.[10][11] Raised in a close-knit Christian family in Ceres, Cowell is the eldest of three siblings, including a younger brother, Chance, who shares his passion for sports and plays professional soccer.[12][13] The community's modest, agricultural surroundings provided a grounded environment, where family values like perseverance were emphasized amid everyday challenges.[9] Cowell has recounted early childhood moments, such as declaring his dream to become a professional soccer player during his Ceres Christian Preschool graduation ceremony at age four, reflecting the supportive atmosphere that nurtured his ambitions from a young age.[14] His parents actively fostered his athletic interests, enrolling him in team sports like soccer and tee-ball starting at age four and signing him up for the local Ceres Youth Soccer Organization at five.[15][16] Debin and Amber, both accomplished high school athletes, instilled a strong work ethic in their children, guiding Cowell through his initial recreational season before encouraging a move to competitive youth leagues by around age six.[8][15] This familial encouragement, rooted in their own sporting experiences, provided the foundational motivation for his development in the sport prior to age 11.[16]Youth career
Cade Cowell earned his first call-up to a U.S. youth national team in September 2018, joining the Under-16 Boys' National Team for a training camp at age 14. He made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut in a U-16 match. Shortly after, in October 2018, Cowell received his initial invitation to the Under-17 Men's Youth National Team (MYNT) camp, becoming the youngest player in the squad as one of only two born in 2003. He appeared in all three matches of the 2018 Nike International Friendlies, contributing to the team's efforts in that tournament.[17][3][18] Cowell's development at the Under-17 level continued into 2019, where he was part of the squad for the Concacaf Under-17 Championship, the qualifying tournament for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Brazil. His earlier international goal came during the 2018 Four Nations Tournament against Chile, showcasing his attacking potential early on. His strong performances with the San Jose Earthquakes academy and first team influenced these selections, highlighting his rapid rise. By this stage, Cowell had established himself as a key forward in the U.S. youth pathway, balancing domestic club duties with international commitments.[19][20] Transitioning to higher age groups, Cowell featured prominently with the Under-20 MYNT, including the 2022 Concacaf Under-20 Championship in Honduras, where he scored at least one goal before receiving a three-match suspension following a post-match incident in the quarterfinals against Costa Rica. He rebounded strongly at the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Argentina, leading the U.S. team with two goals during the group stage—against Fiji and Slovakia (having sat out the Ecuador match due to suspension)—helping secure advancement to the knockout rounds before a round-of-16 exit. These performances underscored his role as a dynamic winger and goal threat at the youth international level.[21][22][23] Born to a Mexican-American family, Cowell held dual eligibility for the United States and Mexico national teams through his maternal grandfather's heritage. In 2022, following his obtaining of Mexican citizenship, there was interest from Mexico's youth teams, but he declined to prioritize his development with the U.S. pathway, a decision that aligned with his long-term commitment to the USMNT. This choice proved pivotal, as his consistent youth appearances paved the way for his senior international debut in December 2021, solidifying his dedication to representing the United States.[24][25]Club career
San Jose Earthquakes
Cade Cowell signed with the San Jose Earthquakes as a homegrown player on January 23, 2019, at the age of 15, becoming the youngest signee in club history. He spent the early part of his professional tenure on loan with the Earthquakes' USL Championship affiliate, Reno 1868 FC, where he made four appearances and scored once before the 2019 season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cowell made his MLS debut for the Earthquakes on March 7, 2020, substituting in at halftime during a 5–2 loss to Minnesota United FC in the MLS is Back Tournament, at the age of 16 years and 145 days.[3] On August 29, 2020, Cowell recorded his first MLS start and goal, scoring in a 3–2 defeat to the LA Galaxy and becoming the youngest goalscorer in Earthquakes history at 16 years and 320 days old. This milestone highlighted his rapid rise from academy prospect to professional contributor, showcasing his speed and directness as a left winger.[26] Cowell's role evolved significantly over his time with the Earthquakes, transitioning from a rotational player to a mainstay on the wing. In 2020, impacted by the abbreviated season, he appeared in 17 matches (4 starts), contributing 1 goal and 1 assist. His breakout came in 2021, when he became a regular starter, logging 33 appearances (14 starts) with 5 goals and 6 assists; he was selected as the youngest MLS All-Star at age 17 and earned a spot on the MLS 22 Under 22 list.[3]| Season | Appearances (Starts) | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 17 (4) | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 33 (14) | 5 | 6 |
| 2022 | 31 (15) | 3 | 5 |
| 2023 | 23 (20) | 1 | 0 |
| Total (MLS) | 104 (53) | 10 | 12 |
Guadalajara
Cade Cowell signed with Liga MX club Guadalajara on January 15, 2024, becoming the first active United States men's national team player to join the club, which maintains a policy of fielding only Mexican players; his dual American-Mexican nationality made him eligible.[30] He made his Liga MX debut as a substitute on January 22, 2024, in a 1-0 loss to Tigres UANL during the Clausura 2024 tournament.[31] Cowell scored his first goal for the club on February 24, 2024, in a 3-1 Clausura win over Pumas UNAM at Estadio Akron.[32] In the 2024 Apertura season, Cowell established himself as a key contributor on the left wing, recording 5 goals and 3 assists in 10 starts across the regular season, helping Guadalajara secure a spot in the play-in round despite a 2-1 loss to Atlas FC that ended their postseason run.[33] His form also extended to international club competitions, where he scored a stoppage-time equalizer against LA Galaxy in the 2024 Leagues Cup group stage and featured prominently in Guadalajara's run to the quarterfinals of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, including a standout performance in the round of 16.[34] Additionally, a muscle injury sidelined him for at least one month starting in September 2024, causing him to miss several matches late in the Apertura.[35] Cowell's role evolved to include time as a striker during the 2025 Clausura, but he faced adaptation challenges in a squad dominated by Mexican players, managing only 3 starts and no goals or assists amid limited minutes and criticism for inconsistent technical finishing under high pressure at Estadio Akron.[36] His Liga MX performances during this period contributed to USMNT call-ups, highlighting his growing impact abroad.[37] By May 2025, Cowell's market valuation stood at €4 million, with his contract extended through December 2028.[2] In the ongoing 2025 Apertura season, Cowell has recorded 1 goal and 0 assists in 13 appearances (4 starts and 9 substitute outings) as of November 8, 2025, aiding Guadalajara's climb from 16th to 6th in the standings and clinching a direct quarterfinal playoff berth without needing the play-in.[38][39] His contributions in the 2025 Leagues Cup included converting a penalty in a shootout during the group stage, further showcasing his versatility on the left flank.[40]International career
Youth career
Cade Cowell earned his first call-up to a U.S. youth national team in September 2018, joining the Under-16 Boys' National Team for a training camp at age 14. He made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut during a match against FC Dallas, marking the start of his progression through the U.S. youth system. Shortly after, in October 2018, Cowell received his initial invitation to the Under-17 Men's Youth National Team (MYNT) camp, becoming the youngest player in the squad as one of only two born in 2003. He appeared in all three matches of the 2018 Nike International Friendlies, contributing to the team's efforts in that tournament.[17][3][18] Cowell's development at the Under-17 level continued into 2019, where he was part of the squad for the Concacaf Under-17 Championship, the qualifying tournament for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Brazil. Although specific goal tallies from that event are limited in records, his earlier international goal came during the 2018 Four Nations Tournament against Chile, showcasing his attacking potential early on. His strong performances with the San Jose Earthquakes academy and first team influenced these selections, highlighting his rapid rise. By this stage, Cowell had established himself as a key forward in the U.S. youth pathway, balancing domestic club duties with international commitments.[19][41] Transitioning to higher age groups, Cowell featured prominently with the Under-20 MYNT, including the 2022 Concacaf Under-20 Championship in Honduras, where he scored at least one goal before receiving a three-match suspension following a post-match incident in the quarterfinals against Costa Rica. He rebounded strongly at the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Argentina, leading the U.S. team with three goals at the tournament—against Fiji and Slovakia in the group stage, and New Zealand in the round of 16—helping secure advancement to the knockout rounds before a round-of-16 exit. These performances underscored his role as a dynamic winger and goal threat at the youth international level.[21][22][23][42] Born to a Mexican-American family, Cowell held dual eligibility for the United States and Mexico national teams through his maternal grandfather's heritage. In 2021, he received an invitation to a Mexico youth national team training camp but declined it to prioritize his development with the U.S. pathway, a decision that aligned with his long-term commitment to the USMNT. This choice proved pivotal, as his consistent youth appearances paved the way for his senior international debut in 2021, solidifying his dedication to representing the United States.[24][25]Senior career
Cowell made his senior debut for the United States men's national team (USMNT) on December 18, 2021, entering as a substitute in the 78th minute during a 1–0 friendly victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina at the age of 18.[43] His early involvement highlighted his potential as a versatile forward, though he did not feature in competitive matches until the following year. Cowell's breakthrough came during the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he appeared in all five matches as the USMNT reached the final but finished as runners-up after a 1–0 loss to Mexico.[44] On July 2, 2023, he scored his first senior international goal in a 6–0 group-stage win against Trinidad and Tobago, showcasing his dribbling ability and finishing with an individual effort from the left flank.[45] This performance solidified his role in squad rotation, primarily as a left winger providing width and pace. Following the Gold Cup, Cowell earned call-ups to USMNT training camps in January 2024 and September 2024, the latter replacing injured midfielder Gio Reyna for friendlies against Canada and New Zealand.[46] Although he did not see action in those matches, his inclusion underscored his ongoing status as a depth option amid injuries. He was not selected for the 2024 Copa América, where the USMNT exited in the group stage.[1] Cowell's transfer to Liga MX club Guadalajara (Chivas) in January 2024 has positively influenced his national team trajectory, with 12 goals and 4 assists in 64 appearances across all competitions as of November 2025 enhancing his form and earning subsequent USMNT opportunities.[34][5] He was included on the roster for the USMNT's November 2025 friendlies but did not feature. As of November 2025, he has accumulated 11 senior caps and 1 goal for the USMNT, often deployed in rotational roles during qualifiers and friendlies, including standout assists in World Cup qualifying preparations.[1] Despite inconsistent club starts in 2025, his technical growth in Mexico continues to position him for future contributions.[47]Personal life
Heritage and citizenship
Cade Cowell possesses dual citizenship in the United States and Mexico, reflecting his Mexican-American heritage. Born on October 14, 2003, in Ceres, California, he acquired U.S. citizenship by birthright. His eligibility for Mexican citizenship derives from his maternal lineage, specifically through his grandfather who was born in Mexico, allowing him to obtain a Mexican passport in January 2024.[24][48][49] This heritage granted Cowell eligibility to represent either the United States or Mexico at the international level, but he has committed to the U.S. men's national team, where he has earned senior caps following extensive involvement in U.S. youth national teams starting from age 14.[25][50] In a 2023 interview, he acknowledged the option to play for both nations but emphasized his ongoing path with the USMNT.[25] Cowell's cultural ties to Mexico have grown through his professional experiences rather than an upbringing immersed in the language or traditions; he entered Liga MX without fluency in Spanish but has since pursued formal classes and self-study via Duolingo to adapt.[51] He has visited Mexico previously for youth international matches, such as the 2018 Nike International Friendlies, which provided early exposure to the country.[52] Publicly, Cowell has expressed pride in his dual identity, stating in early 2024, "I couldn’t be more proud to represent both Mexican and American nationalities," while noting his enjoyment of Mexican foods like pozole and tacos al pastor as part of his integration.[48] Upon joining Chivas de Guadalajara that year, he embraced the club's "ChivaHermano" moniker—a term signifying deep affiliation with the team's passionate fanbase and culture—highlighting his connection to his heritage amid his U.S. national team duties.[53][48]Residence and interests
In January 2024, Cowell relocated to Guadalajara, Mexico, to join Chivas, where he has been adapting to the vibrant city life and its cultural rhythms. His Mexican heritage has eased this transition, allowing him to connect more readily with local customs and the community.[54][55] Cowell completed his high school education in California through Laurel Springs School, an accredited online program designed for young athletes, which partnered with the San Jose Earthquakes academy to accommodate his early professional commitments starting at age 15. No public information indicates ongoing formal studies or certifications as of 2025.[56] Beyond soccer, Cowell pursues outdoor activities and experiments with new hobbies to refresh his mindset away from the demands of training. He prioritizes quality time with family, maintaining close ties to his roots in Ceres, California, through regular visits and community recognition events.[57][58] Cowell married Lysaida Munoz on April 29, 2025, after dating since late 2019.[59][60]Career statistics
Club
Cade Cowell has accumulated over 180 club appearances, scoring 24 goals and recording at least 16 assists across Major League Soccer, the USL Championship, U.S. Open Cup, and Liga MX as of November 18, 2025.[61][5][62] His contributions break down as follows: 104 appearances, 10 goals, and 11 assists in MLS regular season matches with the San Jose Earthquakes; 4 appearances and 1 goal on loan with Reno 1868 FC in the USL Championship; 7 appearances and 4 goals in U.S. Open Cup matches; and 55 appearances, 7 goals, and 2 assists in Liga MX regular season matches with Guadalajara (including Leagues Cup and cup competitions). Playoff appearances include 2 MLS Cup Playoffs games with 0 goals or assists, while Liga MX postseason stats stand at 3 appearances with 0 goals or assists. No red cards have been recorded in his career, with yellow cards totaling 12 across all competitions.[3][7][63] In 2019, Cowell had a brief loan spell with Reno 1868 FC, making 4 appearances and scoring 1 goal in 196 minutes without cards. He also appeared once for San Jose in the U.S. Open Cup (21 minutes, 0 goals or assists). No MLS regular season appearances occurred that year.[28] The following tables summarize Cowell's season-by-season club statistics, focusing on regular season, cups, and playoffs where applicable. Minutes played, yellow cards, and red cards are included; assists are noted for leagues where tracked.San Jose Earthquakes (2019–2023)
| Season | Competition | MP | Goals | Assists | Min | YC | RC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | USL Championship (loan, Reno 1868) | 4 | 1 | 0 | 196 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | U.S. Open Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | MLS Regular Season | 17 | 1 | 1 | 475 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | MLS is Back Tournament | 2 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | MLS Regular Season | 33 | 5 | 5 | 1,671 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | U.S. Open Cup | 3 | 2 | 1 | 162 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | MLS Regular Season | 31 | 3 | 3 | 1,554 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | U.S. Open Cup | 3 | 2 | 0 | 270 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | MLS Regular Season | 23 | 1 | 2 | 1,538 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | MLS Cup Playoffs | 1 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | U.S. Open Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 90 | 0 | 0 |
Guadalajara (2024–2025)
Cowell joined Guadalajara permanently in January 2024, with no major loan spells or significant reserves appearances since. His statistics include contributions in Liga MX Apertura and Clausura tournaments, as well as the Leagues Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup.| Season | Competition | MP | Goals | Assists | Min | YC | RC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 (Clausura) | Liga MX Regular Season | 14 | 1 | 0 | 648 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024-25 | Liga MX Regular Season | 23 | 5 | 2 | 1,221 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | Leagues Cup | 6 | 4 | 1 | 424 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Liga MX Playoffs | 2 | 0 | 0 | 120 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025-26 (Apertura, as of Nov. 18, 2025) | Liga MX Regular Season | 13 | 1 | 0 | 490 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | CONCACAF Champions Cup | 3 | 0 | 0 | 180 | 0 | 0 |
International
Cade Cowell made his senior international debut for the United States men's national team (USMNT) on December 18, 2021, substituting into a 1–0 friendly victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.[43] As of November 2025, Cowell has accumulated 11 caps for the USMNT, scoring 1 goal and providing 0 assists, with all appearances coming off the bench.[1] His lone senior international goal arrived on July 2, 2023, during a 6–0 Concacaf Gold Cup group stage win against Trinidad and Tobago at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Cowell's senior USMNT appearances span friendlies and the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, where he featured in all five matches during the tournament's successful run to the final.[1] No additional caps were recorded in 2024 or 2025, including omissions from the 2024 Copa América roster and the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup preliminary squad.[67] His most recent USMNT involvement was a training camp call-up in September 2024 for friendlies against Canada and New Zealand, though he did not feature in the matches.[46]| Competition | Caps | Goals | Assists | Debut Match | Latest Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | 6 | 0 | 0 | Dec 18, 2021 vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina (1–0 W) | Oct 15, 2023 vs. Germany (3–0 L) |
| Concacaf Gold Cup | 5 | 1 | 0 | Jul 2, 2023 vs. Trinidad & Tobago (6–0 W) | Jul 6, 2023 vs. St. Vincent & Grenadines (3–0 W) |
| Total | 11 | 1 | 0 | Dec 18, 2021 | Jul 6, 2023 |
| Age Group | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| U-16 | 3 | 0 |
| U-17 | 3 | 1 |
| U-20 | 11 | 5 |
| U-23 | 5 | 1 |
| Total | 22 | 7 |
Honors
Club honors
During his time with the San Jose Earthquakes, Cowell did not win any major first-team team trophies, though the club qualified for the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs as a Wild Card entrant before losing in the first round to Sporting Kansas City on penalties.[68][69] He earned individual recognition, including MLS Player of the Week honors for Week 3 in 2021, becoming the third-youngest recipient in league history at age 17, as well as selection to the MLS Team of the Week in April 2021 and the 2021 MLS All-Star Game.[70][71][72] With Guadalajara, Cowell has yet to secure major team titles as of November 2025, but the club participated in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, advancing to the round of 16 where they were eliminated by Club América.[73][74] Guadalajara also qualified directly for the Liguilla playoffs in the Apertura 2025 tournament following a strong regular-season performance.[75] On an individual level, he was named Liga MX Player of the Month for July 2024 after scoring three goals and providing one assist in his first four matches of the season.[76]| Club | Team Honors | Individual Awards |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs participant (Wild Card) | MLS Player of the Week (Week 3, 2021); MLS Team of the Week (April 2021); MLS All-Star (2021) |
| Guadalajara | 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup participant (round of 16); Apertura 2025 Liguilla qualifier | Liga MX Player of the Month (July 2024) |