The San Jose Earthquakes added an experienced Panamanian international to their midfield on Thursday, signing 25-year-old Anibal Godoy from Hungarian club Honved Budapest. The club used Targeted Allocation Money in acquiring the player.
Godoy featured prominently in Panama’s run to third-place at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, starting five of their six games – including going the distance in both games against the US – at the tournament. He has over 50 career caps for Los Canaleros, representing Panama in World Cup qualifiers and at the 2011, 2013 and 2015 Gold Cups.
"Anibal is a player that we have had our eyes on for a few years," said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle said in a statement provided by the team. "We have watched him in person on numerous occasions, including at the most recent Gold Cup, and he has impressed us every time. We are excited to bring Anibal to San Jose and believe he will be a valuable part of the team."
Godoy began his club career at Panamanian side Chepo. Playing over 100 games for the club before going on loan to Argentine Primera side Godoy Cruz in November 2011. He didn’t make any appearances in Argentina, returning to Chepo in 2012 before moving to Honved in August 2013. He made 24 appearances in two seasons with Honved.
"I think he's a good midfielder," said Earthquakes head coach Dominic Kinnear. "From watching him over the last four years playing for Panama in the Gold Cup and the qualifiers, he's been tested internationally. He's a player that covers a lot of ground. He's not afraid to be physical and he's also a good passer of the ball."
Godoy is the third addition the Earthquakes have made to their midfield this summer, joining the club three weeks after San Jose signed Matheus Silva and Marc Pelosi. The Quakes currently sit in ninth place in the Western Conference, six points behind the Seattle Sounders for the sixth and final playoff spot.
