San Jose signs Miazga’s running mate Kashia to fix defense

Led by Valeri “Vako” Qazaishvili, San Jose’s attack has been halfway decent this MLS season.

The Quakes are hoping his Vako’s national team captain can help fix what ails the other end of the pitch.

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San Jose has used Targeted Allocation Money to sign Georgia national team and Vitesse captain Guram Kashia, who turns 31 on July 4.

Kashia was the second-best ranked center back in the attack-heavy Eredivisie this season according to WhoScored, combining with American CB Matt Miazga to steady the fifth-stingiest back line in the Netherlands.

The Georgian captain has been capped 65 times with two goals, playing every minute of the nation’s unsuccessful World Cup qualifying bid.

Kashia said goodbye on the Vitesse site:

“I have had very special years at the club. For me, Vitesse and Arnhem really feel like home. I love the club, the environment and the people. ... It has been a difficult decision to say goodbye. Together with my family I have discussed that now perhaps the last chance is to go on an adventure. Vitesse is and stays in my heart.”

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