From Brian's latest ASN article on dual nationals: Bjorn Maars Johnsen Bjorn Maars Johnsen was born and raised in North Carolina and played high school soccer in the Raleigh area. But instead of taking his game to college, Johnsen decided to try his luck in the lower leagues of his father’s native Norway. Johnson, 23, bounced around lower leagues in Norway, Spain, and Portugal, showing gradual improvement along the way. Now with Atletico CP in Portugal’s second tier, the six-foot-five striker has raised his game to a different level. http://americansoccernow.com/articles/who-will-be-the-next-dual-national-to-join-u-s-soccer I don't think we ever discussed that he grew up in the US and played high school soccer.
According to this piece from the Portuguese press, which was published last November, Benfica basically had the deal wrapped up and Johnsen was going to play for their B team in the 2nd division (where Atletico currently plays). Benfica assegura Bjorn Johnsen The article also says that the idea was for Johnsen to replace Rui Fonte, the league's current top scorer (with 3 goals more than Johnsen) who was just loaned to Belenenses in the Portuguese 1st division. Not sure why the deal fell apart, but it could very well be the one @bshredder referenced earlier in this thread.
If Ibarra can get a call up from the US 2nd tier, Bjorn should be able to get one in the Portuguese 2nd tier
Completely unacceptable that this post had no reps before today. I like it when you guys do the dry humor thing. This post had a beautiful buildup demonstrating great fundamentals. And finishing so suavely, well, that's rare in our pool.
After the failed transfer, his situation at Atletico deteriorated. His contract was terminated. He has signed for Litex Lovech in Bulgaria since their window is open until March 2. http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=532764
http://www.ballhelper.com/soccer-football/bulgaria-premier/bulgarian-football-league.php Litex = 3rd-place team, played in this season's Europa League preliminaries but knocked out by Hungarians.
Wow. Went from being on the verge of signing with Benfica (or possibly Sporting) to a move to Bulgaria. At least he's in the top division there, but still seems like a bummer overall...
It's a good team - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PFC_Litex_Lovech Manager : Krasimir Balakov http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/teams/club=64126/domestic/index.html
Between his name and the club's name... there is so much material to work with. But it's really hard to beat "Maars Attacks..."
I've actually watched a decent amount of the Bulgarian League over the last few years as my wife is from there and I spend some time there, so I find it interesting. Better league than it gets credit for. Not a physical league, more a tactical one and there's some decent talent. I know Ludogorets impressed a number of people this year and CSKA is still a top club. For all the attention Ludogorets received in UCL play, Lovech isn't that far off their standard. Lovech has been one of the better clubs over the last few years and really I'd say the top 6 clubs, Levski on up are a decent level of competition. Not as a poor as a club like Varna which Bijev just signed for. It's a stop gap. If he plays well and impresses he'll be sold and move on by the summer or next winter.