Eduardo ‘Chofis’ Lopez will be returning to Liga MX team Chivas de Guadalajara after his 18-month loan to the San Jose Earthquakes expired.
The Major League Soccer side held an option to purchase, but declined the opportunity to keep Chofis. His departure now opens up a Designated Player spot for San Jose in the Secondary Transfer Window, which runs from July 7 to August 4.
The loanee originally arrived in 2021, signing a one year deal under previous head coach Matias Almeyda. After kicking off his first season with 12 goals and four assists in 32 games, the club decided to extend his stay through June 2022. But several injury spells quickly clouded his time with the club.
He was limited to just one goal and four appearances in 2022.
“We would like to thank Chofis for his contributions over the past year and a half,” San Jose general manager Chris Leitch said in a release.
“He had a very successful 2021 season and was an important player for us, but unfortunately injuries have prevented him from making a similar impact in 2022. We appreciate all his hard work and wish him the best of luck moving forward.”
Though the end of his contract sends Lopez back to Chivas, the player is unlikely to remain with the Liga MX club. Given the season-ending injury of star figure Jose Juan Macias, Chivas will be on the search for a designated forward.
The team is expected to use Chofis as a bargaining chip to bring over a new number 9.
