Feb. 27, 2014 – Ryan Johnson signs with Henan Jianye in Chinese Super League

Boston’s Ryan Johnson became the first player to transfer from MLS to the Chinese Super League in 2014. The deal was set up by Wellesley-based agent Patrick McCabe of Global Premier Management. McCabe and GPS partner Damani Ralph (ex-UConn) took Deshorn Brown to Shenzhen FC in the Chinese Super League last year, placing the Boston area firmly on the map for international player transactions.

Johnson was born in Kingston, and grew up in the Boston area, learning the game from his father, David, who earned a reputation as a strong amateur player with several area teams, known by the nickname “Chicken” because of his running style.

Johnson finished tied for eighth in MLS scoring, totaling 11 goals (30 games) for the San Jose Earthquakes in 2009. Johnson scored nine regular-season goals and one playoff goal for the Portland Timbers in 2013, then moved to China on a free transfer. Johnson scored four goals for Henan Jianye, then moved to Seoul E-Land in South Korea’s K League Challenge, playing for his eighth team in five countries on three continents.

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