GALT, CA (MPG) - A young soccer talent from Herald is taking a major step toward his dream of playing professionally. 

German Del Toro, an eighth-grader and a local standout player, has been officially recruited to join the reputable San Jose Earthquakes Major League Soccer (MLS) Academy.

Del Toro, 13, began playing recreational soccer at the age of 4. Encouraged by his father and older brother who both played soccer, Del Toro’s passion for the sport quickly grew. 

At age 8, Del Toro’s family moved from Rancho Cordova to Herald, where he began playing competitively with local soccer club Tarascos FC.

Del Toro helped lead his Tarascos FC team to a first-place finish in the NorCal State Cup U-10 division three years ago, earning him recognition across the competitive circuit.

From there, Del Toro’s skills continued to develop, and he eventually played with the San Juan Soccer Club and then earned a spot with the Sacramento Republic FC Academy.

“He was so young when he started, just playing on rec teams and then worked his way up,” said his mother, Yesenia Del Toro. “He’s always loved the sport and worked hard.”

Brian Willey, head coach of Sacramento Republic FC Academy’s U13 team, said Del Toro played a major role in the team’s success this year, including winning the MLS Next U13 Northwest Division Championship, the San Diego Surf Cup in December and most recently, the Copa Reyados Las Vegas soccer tournament in June. 

“German is an athletic player who is extremely dynamic on the ball. He’s really good in 1v1 situations and he’s a lethal goal scorer,” said Willey. “His drive and competitive spirit will take him a long way in the game. We are all rooting for him and I wish him continued success at the San Jose Earthquakes Academy.”

For the past year, Del Toro has played with the Sacramento Republic FC Academy, but his next chapter begins in August with the San Jose Earthquakes’ MLS Academy for the 2025-26 season. 

Del Toro is currently enrolled at Arcohe Elementary School, where he will start eighth grade in the fall. Once the season starts, Del Toro and his family will commute to Ohlone College in Fremont to train three to four times per week. 

His mother said that Del Toro’s current schedule allows for him to continue traditional schooling. However, they might consider a charter school option once Del Toro enters his freshman year if a more flexible schedule is needed to attend those practices.

MLS Next, a youth development program run by Major League Soccer, features a platform where player videos are uploaded for recruiters across the country to scout talent. Del Toro’s standout performances on the site drew attention from coaches throughout California and out of state.
 This included Earthquakes coach Luis Garcia, who had previously seen him play with Sacramento Republic FC. 

Del Toro had also previously competed against the Earthquakes in a showcase match, which put him on Garcia’s radar and led to an invitation to train with the Earthquakes’ Regional Development School program. 

Garcia explained that the club had been tracking Del Toro’s progress for the past two years in anticipation of his eligibility to join the academy, which begins at the U14 level.

Speed, power and the ability to perform under pressure were among the skills that Garcia said contribute to Del Toro’s strong presence on the field. 

“What I’ve seen from him is a player with drive. He’s such a hard-working player,” said Garcia. “I believe he’s going to be successful, because in a high-performance environment, you need to have the right mentality and he’s super strong mentally.” 

The Earthquakes MLS Academy is regarded as one of the nation’s top youth development programs, competing in national tournaments and international showcases. Many academy players go on to professional clubs or national teams. 

“I just hope to learn more and get better,” Del Toro said. “Playing with San Jose will teach me different play styles and systems. I hope to have the opportunity to play for either the U.S. or Mexico national teams someday.”

For Del Toro and his family, the opportunity is more than just a personal milestone.

“It’s something he’s always wanted,” said his mother. “When you ask him what he wants to do, he always says ‘soccer player.’ If that doesn’t work out, it’s still ‘soccer player.’”

The Del Toro family is no stranger to athletic excellence. German’s older sister, Itzel Medina-Valdez, wrestled at Liberty Ranch High School and made history as the first student to qualify for the state championships two years in a row. 

She now attends college in Oregon on a wrestling scholarship. 

His younger brother, Juan Manuel, 10, is already following in Del Toro’s footsteps and playing soccer with the San Juan Soccer Club.

Del Toro recently finished his commitment with the Sacramento Republic FC Academy, with his last game being the Las Vegas Copa Reyados soccer tournament on June 16. Earlier this summer, Del Toro officially signed his commitment letter to play with the San Jose Earthquakes Academy. 

His family is proud of German’s accomplishments and is hopeful about what lies ahead.

“As a parent, you just support them,” his mother said. “It’s their dream, not yours. Never force them. German has always been self-motivated; we just provide what he needs to succeed.”