NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Adds Forward Jimmy Banks to Roster

Published on December 11, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Thursday, December 11th, 2014) -- Minnesota United announced today the signing of forward Jimmy "J.C." Banks, Jr. Banks most recently played four seasons with the Rochester Rhinos of USL PRO.

"I have heard a lot of great things about Minnesota United and I am thrilled to be a part of the organization," said J.C. Banks. "I know the supporters group, the Dark Clouds, are really creative and I'm looking forward to playing my best and helping Minnesota win a championship."

The 25-year-old spent his college career with University of Wisconsin-Green Bay where he received several accolades. In 2009 Banks was named the Horizon League Player of the Year, and the following season was an All-League First Team and All-Great Lakes Second Team member.

During college, the Milwaukee native also played for the Madison 56ers of the NPSL and Chicago Fire Premier of USL PDL.

Banks was selected eighth overall in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft by Toronto FC before signing with Rochester. He debuted for the Rhinos in April 2011 and went on to be named Rookie of the Year by the team. In 2012, Banks led USL PRO with eight assists and was named Rochester's Most Valuable Player. He was again named MVP in 2014 after netting a career high nine goals and providing three assists. Banks made 78 appearances while scoring 17 goals for the Rhinos.

"J.C. is at a great age to join our roster and he is excited to continue to improve as a player," said Minnesota United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "He's excelled with his Rochester team and is a player who possesses strong technical ability, good speed and a good sense of the game. We see a lot of qualities that we like."

J.C. is the son of former U.S. National Team defender Jimmy Banks. Jimmy had 36 appearances for the U.S., including facing Austria and Italy in the 1990 World Cup. Both J.C. and his father have played for the Milwaukee Wave of the Major Arena Soccer League.

Current Minnesota United FC roster as of 12/10/14:

Goalkeepers: Andrew Fontein, Mitch Hildebrandt

Defenders: Tiago Calvano, Justin Davis, Cristiano Dias, Brent Kallman, Brian Kallman, Tyler Polak, Kevin Venegas

Midfielders: Miguel Ibarra, Greg Jordan, Daniel Mendes, Aaron Pitchkolan, Juliano Vicentini, Jamie Watson

Forwards: J.C. Banks, Pablo Campos, Christian Ramirez

Submit your 2015 season ticket deposit today to secure your chance watch United's newest signing and the rest of the United squad play in 2015! For a limited time, your $50 deposit automatically qualifies you for our early bird discount. Early Bird Season Ticket Packages start at just $125 for 15 matches-that's less than $9 a game. Call 763.4SOCCER or CLICK HERE to place your deposit!

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North American Soccer League Stories from December 11, 2014


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