The Colorado Rapids' USL affiliate, Charlotte Independence, announced today that the club has signed 23-year-old defender Joel Johnson from Real Jaén CF of the Spanish Segunda Division B.
Johnson was born in Valencia where he joined the youth system at an early age. He progressed through the ranks and would go on to make 69 appearances for Valencia B. His lone appearance in the top flight of Spanish football came on March 8, 2010 in a 0-0 draw with Racing de Santander. He would move on to Real Madrid C before landing with Real Jaén in 2014.
“Joel possesses excellent one-on-one quality and pace, and is comfortable at any of the outside positions,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries.