SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has signed Honduran international defender Victor Bernardez pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC as well as a team administered physical. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Bernardez, 29, joins San Jose following three years with Belgian Pro League giant Anderlecht from January of 2009 through 2011. The hulking center back appeared in 22 games for the Purple and White, including three Europa League appearances. In 2011, he played in games for Lierse SK (Belgium) and Indios (Mexico) while on loan. The 6-foot-2 defender also appeared in seven games during Anderlecht’s Belgian Pro League championship season in 2009-10.

“We’ve scouted Victor for several years,” said Earthquakes General Manager John Doyle. “We saw him play at the CONCACAF Gold Cup and were very impressed with his game. He’s a great addition to the off season moves we’ve made so far and we look forward to having him in San Jose.”

On the international stage, Bernardez has appeared in 52 games for Honduras. He played 90 minutes for Los Catrachos in a 0-0 tie against Switzerland at the 2010 World Cup. Bernardez played a key role in the build up to Honduras’ 2006 and 2010 World Cup qualifying, playing in 17 qualifiers while helping the squad to a 9-4-4 record over that time. In 2011, he started each of Honduras’ five games at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, helping his team reach the semifinals before bowing out 2-0 against eventual champion Mexico.

“Victor gives us another quality player in the center of our defense,” said Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop. “He’s a big, tough and athletic defender who can also play well with his feet and distribute the ball. We’re excited to have him on the squad next season.”

From 2004-08, Bernardez suited up for CD Motagua of the Honduran first division where he played in 62 games and scored 10 goals. Two of his goals came in the 2006-07 Apertura Final as CD Motagua defeated Olimpia 4-2 on aggregate. His knack for clutch performances shone through again on Sept. 2, 2007 as Bernardez laced a 40-yard free kick past the Marathon keeper in El Clasico de las Emes, capping a 4-1 win for CD Motagua.

Bernardez began his professional career with his hometown team CDS Vida in La Ceiba, Honduras in 2003.

Transaction: Earthquakes sign D Victor Bernárdez.

Victor Bernárdez

Position: Defender

Height: 6-2

Weight: 190

Born: May 24, 1982

Hometown: La Ceiba, Honduras

Place of Birth: La Ceiba, Honduras

College: None