Quakes add Honduran defender Victor Bernardez

The Earthquakes have signed Honduran defender VictorBernardez, the team announced Wednesday. The 29-year-old center back comes tothe Bay Area from top Belgian club Anderlecht, though he spent 2011 on loanwith another Belgian outfit, Lierse, and most recently with Indios de CiudadJuarez in Mexico. The move comes pending receipt of Bernardezs P-1 Visa, aninternational transfer certificate and a team-administered physical. Weve scouted Victor for several years, said EarthquakesGeneral Manager John Doyle. We saw him play at the CONCACAF Gold Cup and werevery impressed with his game. Hes a great addition to the offseason movesweve made so far and we look forward to having him in San Jose.

Bernardez has featured 52 times for Hondurassenior national team, and has scored two goals for his country. While with Anderlecht, the 62 defender made 22 appearances,scoring one goal, and was part of the team that won the Belgian championship in2010. Prior to his stint in Europe, Bernardez played for Motagua,one of the most popular teams in Honduras, where he was part of a team that wonthe 2006 Apertura championship and the 2007 Central American club championship.In addition to his height and defensive ability, Bernardezhas established himself as a capable free kick taker throughout his career. Victor gives us another quality player in the center of ourdefense, said Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop. Hes a big, tough andathletic defender who can also play well with his feet and distribute the ball.Were excited to have him on the squad next season. Bernardez is the Earthquakes fourth addition of theoffseason and joins fellow Honduran Marvin Chavez as a new addition to headcoach Frank Yallops team. The acquisition also fills the hole left by thedeparture of Bobby Burling, who was selected by Montreal in Novembers ExpansionDraft.For more Earthquakes, MLS and world soccer chatter,follow Nick Rosano on Twitter: @nicholasrosano.