Danny Hoesen, FC Groningen, Eredivisie, 20160130PROSHOTS

San Jose Earthquakes sign European duo Hoesen, Jungwirth

The San Jose Earthquakes have used targeted allocation money to sign Dutch forward Danny Hoesen and German defender-midfielder Florian Jungwirth, the club announced Thursday.

"I think both guys have a strong background coming from top leagues overseas and will help on both sides of the ball," Earthquakes coach Dominic Kinnear said in a news release. "Our expectation is that Danny will score goals and Florian will provide a solid presence on the back line."

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Hoesen, 26, joins the Earthquakes from Eredivisie side Groningen. The 6-foot-1 striker recorded 15 goals and five assists over 72 appearances after arriving at the club in 2014, including four goals in 12 matches this season.

A former Netherlands youth international, Hoesen previously has spent time with clubs including Fulham, Ajax and PAOK.

"Danny Hoesen gives us a player with a strong frame that is tall, but also has a fast pace," Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli said. "He can attack the space in counterattack situations. He can also work in tandem with whichever striker will be supporting him. He's a player that comes from very attack-minded football in Holland and will be the perfect striker to give us an additional element in the box that we may have been missing."

Jungwirth arrives in San Jose after making 63 appearances for Darmstadt over the past two and a half seasons, helping the club earn promotion from the 2. Bundesliga in 2014-15. A product of the 1860 Munich youth system, the 28-year-old represented Germany at various youth levels.

"Florian is capable of playing all defensive positions," Fioranelli said. "He grew up as a central defender, on both the right and the left. He was later moved to defensive midfield because he is a player that has a strong presence and is very logical and careful when it comes to possession and buildup situations. He is a player that has a lot of heart and has been very much liked on every team that he's played for because he will fight for his teammates and is a natural leader."

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