USL Charlotte Independence

Defender Joel Johnson Re-Signs with Independence for 2021

Published on March 25, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) - Charlotte Independence announced today that defender Joel Johnson has signed a new contract and will be returning to the club for the 2021 season, pending league and federation approval.

"I am very happy to be back with the Independence and help the team," said Johnson. "I'm also excited for us to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium this season and I will do all I can to make us Champions."

Johnson, 28, first signed for the Independence on April 7, 2016. He has appeared in 125 career matches with the Jacks in USL Championship action, starting 119 times and playing 10, 578 minutes. In 2020, the defender saw action in 14 USL Championship matches, starting all but one, and helped the Independence host its first home playoff match in club history.

"It's fantastic to have Joel back," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "He has been a mainstay of our group for more than five years. He is a tremendous asset on the right flank and his ability to play on both sides of the ball is at the top of the USL Championship. We look forward to having him back for 2021."

Prior to joining the Independence, the Liberia international spent the 2017 season with Real Jaén of the Spanish Segunda Division B, making 16 appearances and recording 1,267 minutes.

Johnson, born in Spain, joined Valencia CF's youth system at an early age and progressed through the ranks, making his professional debut with Valencia B at 17. He would go on to make 69 appearances for the Spanish third division side, recording 3,440 minutes from 2009-12. In 2010, he made his La Liga debut in a 0-0 draw with Racing de Santander.

Johnson moved to Real Madrid C in 2012 and made 50 appearances, before signing with Real Jaén in 2014.

Johnson joins Jake Areman, Brandt Bronico (on loan from Charlotte FC), Clay Dimick, Junior Etou, Enzo Martinez, Brandon Miller, Austin Pack, Marcelo Palomino (on loan from Houston Dynamo FC), Hugh Roberts, Kevin Riascos, Valentin Sabella (currently loaned to Cancun FC), and Thomas de Villardi on the list of players confirmed for the 2021 season, as the club continues to negotiate with additional players.

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Joel Johnson

Position: Defender

Birthdate: September 20, 1992 (age: 28)

Birthplace: Spain

Height: 5' 11"

CURRENT 2021 CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE ROSTER

Goalkeeper - Austin Pack, Brandon Miller

Defender - Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Kevin Riascos, Hugh Roberts, Thomas de Villardi

Midfielder - Jake Areman, Brandt Bronico, Junior Etou, Enzo Martinez, Marcelo Palomino, Valentin Sabella

Forward -

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