Homegrown Watch returns this week to examine a handful of the nation’s budding MLS-attached stars in the Development Academy. From a smooth Bay Area operator to a recruiting coup in Florida, this week’s update is a doozy. 

M Amir Bashti, San Jose Earthquakes

The Bay Area’s been privy to some fine soccer over the past couple years especially. The Quakes were slow off the blocks with their Homegrown initiative, and Tommy Thompson was their first to join under those auspices before last season. So while San Jose might’ve waited, they’re batting 1.000 considering Thompson has major pro potential. There are undoubtedly more signings down the line. Meanwhile, Stanford, which is right down the road, is cultivating some of the nation’s best players. Bashti will soon join those ranks.