San Antonio FC has re-signed defender-midfielder Mark O’Ojong and goalkeeper Lee Johnston for the upcoming 2018 USL season, the club announced today. Both transactions are pending league and federation approval, and per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
After joining the club in April of last season, O’Ojong went on to make 13 appearances and nine starts in the USL regular season, tallying 789 total minutes. The 20-year-old added two goals and a 76.3 percent passing accuracy while playing in both midfield and defense for SAFC. O’Ojong also appeared in two U.S. Open Cup matches as well as both of San Antonio’s playoff matches, playing 210 minutes in each of the competitions.
“We are pleased to have Mark return for the 2018 season,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “He had an immediate impact upon his arrival to the team last season, and showed well as a fullback towards the end of the year. We look forward to having him here and continue his development.”
O’Ojong spent the 2016 USL season with the Seattle Sounders 2, appearing in 28 of the club’s 30 matches while making 20 starts and scoring two goals. He also added one assist in 1,768 regular season minutes played. In July of 2016, O’Ojong was named 12th best player in the USL under the age of 20 as part of the league’s 20 Under 20 list, which was put together with the insight of USL head coaches along with input from TopDrawerSoccer.com. Along with his time in the Sounders organization, the Cameroon native has also played professionally in his home country, spending time with Rainbow FC. O’Ojong has played for the Cameroon national team twice, including in the 2016 African Cup of Nations.
“I am so happy to be coming back to San Antonio FC,” said O’Ojong. “I am ready to keep working hard and give my best to the team this season.”
Johnston joins SAFC for his third season with the club, originally joining prior to the team’s inaugural season. In two years with San Antonio, Johnston has made three appearances in all competitions, making four saves and recording an 80 percent save percentage. Following a red card to Diego Restrepo on June 24 at Colorado Springs, Johnston made his competitive debut in goal for SAFC. The 25-year-old then made his first start for the club the following match at the Sacramento Republic where he made four saves en route to a hard-fought draw on the road.
“We are excited to have Lee return for next season,” said Powell. “It is always good to have three competitive goalkeepers on your roster as was evident last season. We expect no different this year with all three keepers, including Lee, able to step in at any time.”
Johnston also appeared in one U.S. Open Cup match, playing 90 minutes and allowing just one goal against the Houston Dutch Lions (NPSL) in a second-round victory. A Newberry, FL native, Johnston played college soccer at West Virginia University in 2013 and 2014 after transferring from the University of Pittsburgh following the 2012 season. He joins Matthew Cardone and Diego Restrepo in the club’s goalkeeping ranks.
“It’s great to be back,” said Johnston. “I love this organization and what they’re about, and I want to continue to help it grow and prosper. I think the sky is the limit for us. We were very close last year and I think good things will come this season, especially with a good nucleus returning.”
With the re-signing of O’Ojong and Johnston, the SAFC roster currently stands at 20. O’Ojong will wear No. 90 for the club, while Johnston will wear No.1.
San Antonio FC is currently preparing for the upcoming USL season, which kicks off on March 17 in Sacramento prior to the SAFC home opener on March 24 at Toyota Field vs. Saint Louis FC. Fans can purchase 2018 season tickets by calling the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5MLS or by visiting www.sanantoniofc.com. Supporters can also follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (SanAntonioFC).
San Antonio FC has re-signed defender-midfielder Mark O’Ojong and goalkeeper Lee Johnston for the upcoming 2018 USL season, the club announced today. Both transactions are pending league and federation approval, and per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
After joining the club in April of last season, O’Ojong went on to make 13 appearances and nine starts in the USL regular season, tallying 789 total minutes. The 20-year-old added two goals and a 76.3 percent passing accuracy while playing in both midfield and defense for SAFC. O’Ojong also appeared in two U.S. Open Cup matches as well as both of San Antonio’s playoff matches, playing 210 minutes in each of the competitions.
“We are pleased to have Mark return for the 2018 season,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “He had an immediate impact upon his arrival to the team last season, and showed well as a fullback towards the end of the year. We look forward to having him here and continue his development.”
O’Ojong spent the 2016 USL season with the Seattle Sounders 2, appearing in 28 of the club’s 30 matches while making 20 starts and scoring two goals. He also added one assist in 1,768 regular season minutes played. In July of 2016, O’Ojong was named 12th best player in the USL under the age of 20 as part of the league’s 20 Under 20 list, which was put together with the insight of USL head coaches along with input from TopDrawerSoccer.com. Along with his time in the Sounders organization, the Cameroon native has also played professionally in his home country, spending time with Rainbow FC. O’Ojong has played for the Cameroon national team twice, including in the 2016 African Cup of Nations.
“I am so happy to be coming back to San Antonio FC,” said O’Ojong. “I am ready to keep working hard and give my best to the team this season.”
Johnston joins SAFC for his third season with the club, originally joining prior to the team’s inaugural season. In two years with San Antonio, Johnston has made three appearances in all competitions, making four saves and recording an 80 percent save percentage. Following a red card to Diego Restrepo on June 24 at Colorado Springs, Johnston made his competitive debut in goal for SAFC. The 25-year-old then made his first start for the club the following match at the Sacramento Republic where he made four saves en route to a hard-fought draw on the road.
“We are excited to have Lee return for next season,” said Powell. “It is always good to have three competitive goalkeepers on your roster as was evident last season. We expect no different this year with all three keepers, including Lee, able to step in at any time.”
Johnston also appeared in one U.S. Open Cup match, playing 90 minutes and allowing just one goal against the Houston Dutch Lions (NPSL) in a second-round victory. A Newberry, FL native, Johnston played college soccer at West Virginia University in 2013 and 2014 after transferring from the University of Pittsburgh following the 2012 season. He joins Matthew Cardone and Diego Restrepo in the club’s goalkeeping ranks.
“It’s great to be back,” said Johnston. “I love this organization and what they’re about, and I want to continue to help it grow and prosper. I think the sky is the limit for us. We were very close last year and I think good things will come this season, especially with a good nucleus returning.”
With the re-signing of O’Ojong and Johnston, the SAFC roster currently stands at 20. O’Ojong will wear No. 90 for the club, while Johnston will wear No.1.
San Antonio FC is currently preparing for the upcoming USL season, which kicks off on March 17 in Sacramento prior to the SAFC home opener on March 24 at Toyota Field vs. Saint Louis FC. Fans can purchase 2018 season tickets by calling the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5MLS or by visiting www.sanantoniofc.com. Supporters can also follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (SanAntonioFC).
