The San Jose Earthquakes and Burlingame Dragons FC jointly announced the renewal of their affiliation on Friday, agreeing to a two-year contract.

The Major League Soccer club and Premier Development League franchise have been affiliated since Dragons FC began play in 2015. Currently, 14 PDL teams are owned and operated by a Major League Soccer or USL club, or holding a partnership with an MLS or USL club.

"We are excited to renew our affiliation with the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer," Dragons FC President Jordan Gardner said. "The partnership has been crucial to the growth of our franchise over the last two seasons, both on and off the field."

The PDL franchise has helped multiple players on their path to the professional level in the past two years, including Nick Lima and Christian Thierjung – who both were acquired by the Earthquakes ahead of the 2017 MLS regular season. Lima signed a Homegrown Player contract with the Earthquakes on Dec. 22, while Thierjung was selected by the club in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

Dragons FC, which earned a Southwest Division title in 2015 and reached the PDL Western Conference Semifinals in both 2015 and 2016, is preparing for its third PDL campaign.