Earthquakes' Eduard Löwen named MLS Comeback Player of the Year finalist
He is one of three finalists. Winners will be announced during the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, the club said.
SAN JOSE - Major League Soccer announced Thursday that San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Eduard Löwen has been named a finalist for MLS Comeback Player of the Year, the club said. The honor is part of the 2026 MLS Year-End Awards, with winners to be announced throughout the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Löwen is one of three finalists, along with Ryan Gauld of Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Nick Hagglund of FC Cincinnati, the Earthquakes said. The finalists received the highest average votes from MLS club technical staff, first-team players and select media members, with each group accounting for 33.3 percent.
When his wife, Ilona, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2024, Löwen — then with St. Louis CITY SC — took time off to support her; she died March 9. He returned April 18, scoring as a substitute against Seattle Sounders FC, and San Jose acquired him in a trade Aug. 26. With Löwen in midfield, the Earthquakes were unbeaten in 11 of 13 matches, finished fourth in the Western Conference and secured home-field advantage in Round One and the first postseason game at PayPal Park. He has four goals and six assists since returning in 2026.
Source: San Jose Earthquakes: Eduard Löwen named finalist for MLS Comeback Player of the Year, Nov. 12, 2026