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Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven Adds Jamaican International Midfielder Jermaine Johnson

July 30, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Indy Eleven News Release


INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, July 30, 2014) - Indy Eleven Professional Soccer today announced the signing of Jamaican winger Jermaine Johnson to the North American Soccer League squad. Per club policy, terms of Johnson's contract will not be disclosed.

"With 'J.J.' coming to the group, we're looking at a player with an international pedigree. Between his experience with the Jamaican National Team and playing in the United Kingdom for an extended period of time, he brings a lot of great leadership and experience in tow," Indy Eleven Head Coach and Director of Soccer Operations Juergen Sommer said. "That's very difficult to find anywhere, especially here in the U.S., so we're excited to bring an experienced veteran to the group and to the field."

An established veteran in both club and international soccer, Johnson comes to Indy Eleven after 15 years of experience at some of Jamaica and England's top clubs. Johnson is most notable for his time with English Championship (Second Division) and League One (Third Division) side Sheffield Wednesday, where he bagged 25 goals in 231 appearances over the last seven seasons, leaving the squad in May as the most tenured performer on their roster at the time. Prior to his stint with the Owls, Johnson suited up for Bradford City (2006-07), Oldham Athletic (loan from 2003-2006), Bolton Wanderers (loan from 2001-03) and Jamaican side Tivoli Gardens (1999-2006).

"I'm really excited to be here in Indianapolis to represent Indy Eleven," Johnson said. "I'm looking forward to playing in the United States and to a new challenge at this point in my career."

The Kingston, Jamaica, native has spent the majority of his career as a right winger, tallying 51 goals for both club and country. He spent his first six professional seasons on the books at Tivoli Gardens, making 30 appearances for his boyhood club while also completing loan stints at Bolton and Oldham. He earned his first international appearance in 2001 and has scored nine goals in 74 appearances for the "Reggae Boyz." Johnson's most recent "caps" came in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying play in the spring of 2013 against Mexico and Panama.

"Jermaine's going to be a tremendous asset to the organization and to the team. His experience and talent will help us in the attack," Indy Eleven President and General Manager Peter Wilt said. "I'm thrilled from a personal standpoint to be able to work with one of my old players and friends, (former MLS Rookie of the Year and Jamaican international) Damani Ralph, who represents Jermaine and brought him to our attention."

Johnson will be eligible for selection for this Saturday's return to Carroll Stadium against the Atlanta Silverbacks, pending acquisition of his P1 visa. Fans that can't grab any of the limited tickets available for the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday evening can watch the action live on MyINDY-TV 23.

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