NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Signs Homegrown Talent Ismaila Jome

Published on March 4, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minnesota United FC Forward Ismaila Jome
Minnesota United FC Forward Ismaila Jome
(Minnesota United FC)

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - As the 2016 preseason continues, Minnesota United have not had to look far for the latest signing, Ismaila Jome. Jome is a graduate of Prairie Seeds Academy and the 2012 Minnesota Mr. Soccer award winner. Per team and league policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"It's lovely the fact that he's from Minnesota," said Minnesota Head Coach Carl Craig. "We can develop footballers in Minnesota and have a guy that was brought up in the Cities come to join the group I think is wonderful both for our football club, but certainly shows the community that we're a community organization."

Jome joins United having played three years with UC-Santa Barbara as both a defender and a winger. His freshman year saw him take home a plethora of honors including Big West Freshman of the year and All-Big West First Team. In 56 appearances for the Gauchos, he had six goals and 15 assists.

"I am an attacking player. I like to dribble and run at defenders with pace. I think that's my main attribute. I just love to play attacking," said Jome. "I expect to integrate well with the team, and do as well as I can for the team and help us win trophies."

Jome was born in Gambia, moving to Brooklyn Park, MN at a young age. He was a standout player in high school, leading Prairie Seeds Academy to three Section 1A titles and one Class A State Championship.

"It's amazing to be signed by my hometown club, obviously coming soon into the MLS, it's a huge thing," said Jome. "I think it's the perfect time with me almost being done with school. It's an honor and a pleasure to be playing for the club."

Minnesota United has invited Jome to train with the club off and on over the past few seasons.

"Since he was last with us, he's been off to college and he's gained some invaluable experience. That's really pushed on his development and we've seen enough in his development this far to put my hat on him," said Craig. "If you look at him physically, he's got the type of body that modern day footballers-not necessarily require-but is a massive asset given the pace of the game."

Jome is the second Minnesota-native to sign with the club in 2016, with defender Brent Kallman inking a new contract in January.

Current Minnesota United Roster

Goalkeepers: Sammy Ndjock, Kristian Nicht, Aaron Perez

Defenders: Tiago Calvano, Justin Davis, Brent Kallman, Kevin Venegas

Midfielders: Bernardo Añor, Danny Cruz, Andrei Gotsmanov, Ibson, Greg Jordan, Lance Laing, Daniel Mendes, Aaron Pitchkolan, Juliano Vicentini, Jamie Watson

Forwards: J.C. Banks, Ismaila Jome, Stefano Pinho, Christian Ramirez, Ben Speas

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Minnesota United FC Forward Ismaila Jome
Minnesota United FC Forward Ismaila Jome
   



North American Soccer League Stories from March 4, 2016


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