SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes have signed former Kansas City Wizards defender Amir Lowery and goalkeeper Dan Benton. Lowery will occupy a spot on the developmental roster, while Benton will be placed on the senior roster. Per team and league policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
Lowery made one appearance in 2005 with the Colorado Rapids after being drafted in the fourth round of the MLS SuperDraft. He also appeared in 11 reserve division games that season. Lowery then signed with the Kansas City Wizards prior to the 2007 season and made 11 appearances in the reserve division. The Washington, D.C. resident has played twice for the Wizards Reserves this year and has also made an appearance with the Earthquakes Reserves in 2008.
An outstanding defender at Wake Forest, Lowery was a two-time All-ACC selection. He appeared in 74 games for the Demon Deacons, recording five goals and six assists. He played alongside current Earthquakes defender James Riley at Wake Forest.
Benton joined the Earthquakes during the 2008 preseason as a backup goalkeeper to Joe Cannon and Preston Burpo. He made his Earthquakes debut in a preseason game on Feb. 22 against the Columbus Crew in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Prior to joining the Earthquakes, Benton spent two seasons (2006 and 2007) with the Charlotte Eagles of the United Soccer League Division Two. In 2006, he recorded his first shutout in his debut with the Eagles. He compiled a 4-3-4 record that season. Benton started and played all but two games in 2007. He recorded four shutouts that season and compiled a 9-6-1 record. He also played for the Virginia Beach Mariners (USL-1) in 2005.
Collegiately, Benton played four years at San Jose State. His big break came in 2004 when he started a career high of 18 games. He played 35 games in his career for the Spartans.
Amir Lowery #25
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
Born: Dec. 26, 1983 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Hometown: Washington D.C.
College: Wake Forest
Last Club: Kansas City Wizards (MLS)
Dan Benton #31
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-5
Weight: 200
Born: Dec. 29, 1980 in Oakland, Calif.
Hometown: Kensington, Calif.
College: San Jose State
Last Club: Charlotte Eagles (USL-2)
