Just 11 days ago, Eduard Löwen walked onto the field at PayPal Park wearing the colors of St. Louis CITY SC.
On August 15, the German midfielder helped St. Louis secure a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes, providing the corner-kick assist for Simon Becher’s 27th-minute goal.
Now, less than two weeks later, Löwen is returning to San Jose — this time as an Earthquake.
The San Jose Earthquakes announced the acquisition of the 29-year-old midfielder from St. Louis CITY SC in exchange for $425,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money (GAM), with St. Louis eligible to receive an additional $500,000 in conditional GAM if certain performance-based incentives are met.
Löwen has signed a new contract through the 2027-28 season. He will occupy a Designated Player roster spot, although San Jose has the option to buy down his budget charge.
For the Earthquakes, the move adds an established MLS playmaker at an important stage of the season.
A Proven MLS Playmaker
Since joining St. Louis ahead of the club’s inaugural MLS season, Eduard Löwen has recorded 47 regular-season goal contributions — 20 goals and 27 assists — in 84 league appearances, including 70 starts.
Across all competitions during his St. Louis career, he made 103 appearances and recorded 23 goals and 30 assists.
His influence was particularly evident during St. Louis CITY’s historic inaugural campaign in 2023.
Löwen recorded six goals and a team-leading 17 assists across the campaign as St. Louis finished first in the Western Conference during its first MLS season.
His performances earned him recognition as one of three finalists for the 2023 MLS Newcomer of the Year award alongside Giorgos Giakoumakis and Lionel Messi. Löwen ultimately finished third in the voting.
Eduard Löwen: From Opponent to Teammate
The timing of the transfer creates one of the most interesting storylines surrounding Löwen’s arrival in the Bay Area.
On August 15, Löwen was on the opposite side at PayPal Park.
St. Louis opened the scoring through Daniel Edelman before Löwen delivered a corner kick that Simon Becher headed into the net in the 27th minute. St. Louis eventually defeated San Jose 3-1.
Only 11 days later, the midfielder officially became a member of the team he had just faced.
The image of Löwen celebrating with his St. Louis teammates that night now carries a completely different meaning.
An opponent less than two weeks ago, he returns to PayPal Park as part of the Earthquakes.
Another Experienced Option for Bruce Arena.
Earthquakes Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena described Löwen as a proven MLS player whose versatility and experience can make an immediate impact in San Jose’s midfield.
Beyond his ability as a playmaker, Löwen has established himself as a set-piece specialist and an experienced box-to-box midfielder.
During the 2026 season, he has recorded three goals and three assists in 13 MLS appearances, including eight starts.
His arrival provides Arena with another experienced option as the Earthquakes prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.
Löwen is also immediately eligible to play for San Jose, beginning with the club’s road match against Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday, August 29.
European Experience Comes to the Bay Area
Before arriving in Major League Soccer, Löwen built significant experience in German football.
He played four Bundesliga seasons, appearing for 1. FC Nürnberg and Hertha BSC while also spending time on loan with FC Augsburg and VfL Bochum.
Across his Bundesliga career, Löwen made 80 league appearances, recording seven goals and eight assists.
He also competed in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga with Nürnberg.
Internationally, Löwen represented Germany at the Under-20, Under-21 and Under-23 levels.
His international experience included selection for Germany’s squad at the Tokyo Olympic Games, where he appeared in all three matches, started twice and scored one goal.
A New Chapter in San Jose for Eduard Löwen
For Löwen, the move closes an important chapter in St. Louis.
He became one of the defining players of CITY SC’s first years in Major League Soccer and leaves the club as its all-time leader in regular-season assists and goal contributions.
Now his focus shifts to San Jose.
Löwen has expressed gratitude for his time in St. Louis while making clear that he is excited about his new chapter in the Bay Area and determined to help the Earthquakes make a strong playoff push.
San Jose is not simply acquiring another midfielder. The Earthquakes are adding a player who already understands Major League Soccer, has demonstrated an ability to create and score goals, and brings experience from both American and European football.
And the circumstances surrounding his arrival make the story even more remarkable.
On August 15, Eduard Löwen stood at PayPal Park celebrating with St. Louis CITY SC after helping defeat the Earthquakes.
Eleven days later, San Jose became his new home.
From opponent to teammate, a new chapter begins.
