Cal’s Thomas Williamson picked by San Jose Earthquakes in 2021 MLS Draft

One Cal player’s name was called in Thursday’s 2021 MLS Draft, with forward Thomas Williamson selected by the San Jose Earthquakes at No. 12 overall.

Williamson scored nine goals in 18 appearances for the Golden Bears in 2019, picking up Pac-12 All-Second Team honors in the process.

The striker was with his teammates before training Thursday when his name was called, and it was pandemonium.

Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli told reporters during a conference call after the draft that Williamson had been on the club’s radar for some time, and the player said on a separate call with reporters that he was happy to get the opportunity to stay in the Bay Area.

San Jose are coming off a decent season, in which they saw many ups and downs but ultimately reached the MLS Cup Playoffs, nearly upsetting the top seed. The Earthquakes could use forward depth in the 2021 season to back up legendary striker Chris Wondolowski, and Williamson will get a shot to earn that spot.

The player said he was not yet sure if he will play in the upcoming scheduled spring season for Cal or if he will skip it and join the Earthquakes’ training camp when it opens in the coming weeks, his next move is currently to be determined.

Congratulations to Thomas for being drafted, and good luck to him as he embarks on a pro career.