The Charlotte Independence today officially announced the signing of 23-year-old defender Joel Johnson. He is the 12th new player to reach agreement with the Independence for 2016, and brings the current roster of contracted players up to 21.
Born in Torrent, Valencia to a Liberian father and Spanish mother, Johnson was a product of Valencia CF’s youth system. He made his senior debut at just 17 years old, appearing with the B-team in the third division. Johnson made 69 appearances with Valencia B from 2009-2012, recording 3,440 minutes of action. On March 8, 2010, with both first-team right backs unavailable, Johnson made is first La Liga appearance, playing the full 90 minutes in a 0-0 home draw against Racing de Santander. He then moved to Real Madrid C, where he made 50 appearances from 2012-2014, recording 4,173 minutes. Johnson spent last season with Real Jaén of the Spanish Segunda Division B, making 16 appearances for 1,267 minutes.
“Joel possesses excellent one-v-one quality and pace, and is comfortable at any of the outside positions,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He is very effective as an attacking outside player and will provide an option to stretch opposing defenses. His background and developmental experience provide a great technical foundation. Equally important, he competes well and is hard to beat defensively. We got to know him during preseason and his upbeat personality fits well with the group.”
Johnson is now eligible to play in the Independence’s next match, a road contest against expansion club FC Cincinnati on Saturday, April 9. Kickoff is schedule for 7:00pm ET at Nippert Stadium and the match will be available live on YouTube. The Independence will return home to Ramblewood Soccer Complex on Saturday, April 16, for a tilt with the Charleston Battery. That match will kick off at 7:00pm ET. Tickets are available at www.charlotteindependence.com/tickets or by calling 704-206-1515.
