The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they have signed former Hertha BSC forward Ellis McLoughlin.

McLoughlin signed with Hertha Berlin of the German Bundesliga in January 2008 after impressing with the United States U-17 National Team. He played with the Blue-Whites reserves before suffering an injury in January 2009. Prior to his stint in Germany, the Seattle native spent one season at the University of Washington where he had three goals and three assists in 13 matches.

With 14 goals in 38 appearances, McLoughlin was the leading scorer of the U.S. U-17 team from 2005 to 2007. He also featured in all four matches for the United States at the 2007 FIFA Under-17 World Cup that took place in South Korea, making three starts.

The 20-year-old striker played one year of prep soccer at Bishop Blanchet High School before being invited to the U.S. Soccer Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida. As a freshman at Bishop Blanchet he was named to the All-Area team and was team MVP. He played his club soccer at Crossfire Soccer Club, leading that side to five state titles.