The San Jose Clash announced today it has released midfielder Marcelo Vega. “We need players who can give 100 percent effort on offense and defense for the entire 90 minutes, and Marcelo, unfortunately, was not fit enough to be able to work within that style,” San Jose coach Brian Quinn said from the Clash’s preseason training camp in Toluca, Mexico. The Clash also announced defender Richard Gough is leaving the club to pursue playing opportunities in England. “Richard has an opportunity in England, and after a meeting between Richard and Brian and a meeting between Richard and the league, it was determined it would be to everyone’s benefit if we gave Richard the chance to pursue that opportunity,” Clash director of soccer Renato Capobiano said. “We’re moving in a new direction, building a team with young, talented players,” said Clash GM Lynne Meterparel. “Even though we will miss players like Richard and Marcelo, it gives us an opportunity to seek players who can fit the high-pressure style Brian is implementing.” Capobianco said the club already has begun working with Major League Soccer officials to bring in two international players. “With two spots open for internationals, we’re in position now to benefit from some of the work we’ve been doing with the league to identify players who can fit in to what we’re doing here,” Capobianco said. The Clash, which plays the Mexican First Division club Atlante in a preseason game March 3, returns home Friday to begin final preparations for MLS opener March 20, against the Chicago Fire at Spartan Stadium.