The San Jose Earthquakes have drafted Clemson goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell with perhaps the most surprising pick of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.

Responses to their pick ranged from bewilderment to open skepticism, given the Quakes already have a young starting goalkeeper in David Bingham. Kinnear told reporters in a conference call that there is “a little bit of protection involved” in the selection, eighth overall, should Bingham appear in the Copa America or other internationals over the summer. Just a few days ago, the twenty-five-year-old goalkeeper received his first international call-up for the United States, joining their January training camp in Los Angeles.

“We are not into mind games,” said Kinnear. “We want to create competition here and cover. In every position, there is the possibility of injury, the possibility of call-ups. It may be a decision that raises eyebrows, but looking at our roster, this makes it a little bit easier for us and provides some good competition and cover, as well as a good look for the future.”

“I don’t see why this is a surprise. We think [Tarbell] is really good.”

Kinnear admitted that the Quakes attempted to move up higher in the draft and regarding a potential deal they etched out this morning: “We thought we were sitting on something pretty good. It turned out to be too good and was taken away from us. It was never in our control.”

It was during a “long” meeting last night that the idea of drafting a goalkeeper came to the Quakes’ delegation.

Although Tarbell himself said he was somewhat surprised to be drafted in the top ten — he said that he expected to be a low first or high second-round pick — he added: “I was totally prepared for not knowing where I’d end up, that’s part of the excitement. As soon as I heard my name I was excited.”

Above all, he said that he was very proud.

Tarbell had been courted by a few other teams, notably, Sporting Kansas City. In December, he finished his degree in civil engineering, but said: “hopefully I won’t have to use it for another ten years.”

In his 2015 season, Tarbell appeared in the recent NCAA Division I final against Stanford University and played over 2,2400 minutes for Clemson. He was signed by MLS on a Generation Adidas contract ahead of the draft, meaning his salary won’t count against the Quakes’ salary cap. His status also leaves space for the Quakes to sign more players from outside of MLS.

In the second round of the draft, the Quakes selected Notre Dame midfielder Patrick Hodan.

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