Portland Timbers striker Ryan Johnson joins China’s Henan Jianye

Nov 2, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Portland Timbers forward Ryan Johnson (9) looks for a teammate to pass to against the Seattle Sounders during the first half of the western conference semifinals at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

In one of the most surprising moves of the preseason, former Portland Timbers striker Ryan Johnson has joined Chinese Super League club Henan Jianye FC of Zhengzhou, China. This is arguably the first-ever move by an MLS player to a CSL side in history.

Johnson scored nine goals and dished out four assists in 29 appearances for the Timbers last season. The Jamaican international also featured prominently in the Reggae Boyz’ unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign. It was clear that Johnson intended to search for better pay a long time ago.

“He wants to venture overseas,” Portland General Manager Gavin Wilkinson told MLSsoccer.com’s Dan Itel in Dec. 2013. “He’s done a lot in his career, and he wants the opportunity try a different environment and a little bit more money.”

Despite the move, Portland retain Johnson’s MLS rights, should he return to the league.

Career Statistics (Regular Season)

YearClubGPGSGMINASHTSOGFCOFFYR
2013Portland Timbers29219177044322252420
2012Toronto FC31317276956723462160
2011Toronto FC121239932261012600
2011San Jose Earthquakes141201087220517930
2010San Jose Earthquakes27191170683718231920
2009San Jose Earthquakes302711224125935432830
2008San Jose Earthquakes28135153512919311220
2006Chicago Fire300460321000
2006Real Salt Lake7101520113000
Career Totals181136361229924285135201119180

2013 Season Statistics

CompetitionClubGPGSGMINASHTSOGFCOFFYR
MLS PlayoffsPortland Timbers4312300426000
MLS Regular SeasonPortland Timbers29219177044322252420

2012 Season Statistics

CompetitionClubGPGSGMINASHTSOGFCOFFYR
MLS Regular SeasonToronto FC31317276956723462160

2011 Season Statistics

CompetitionClubGPGSGMINASHTSOGFCOFFYR
MLS Regular SeasonToronto FC121239932261012600
MLS Regular SeasonSan Jose Earthquakes141201087220517930

2010 Season Statistics

CompetitionClubGPGSGMINASHTSOGFCOFFYR
MLS PlayoffsSan Jose Earthquakes3302701523500
MLS Regular SeasonSan Jose Earthquakes27191170683718231920

2009 Season Statistics

CompetitionClubGPGSGMINASHTSOGFCOFFYR
MLS Regular SeasonSan Jose Earthquakes302711224125935432830

2008 Season Statistics

CompetitionClubGPGSGMINASHTSOGFCOFFYR
MLS Regular SeasonSan Jose Earthquakes28135153512919311220

2006 Season Statistics

CompetitionClubGPGSGMINASHTSOGFCOFFYR
MLS PlayoffsChicago Fire00000000000
MLS Regular SeasonChicago Fire300460321000
MLS Regular SeasonReal Salt Lake7101520113000

GP: Games Played, GS: Games Started, G: Goals, MIN: Minutes Played, A: Assists, SHT: Shots, SOG: Shots on Goal, FC: Fouls Committed, FS: Fouls Suffered, OFF: Offsides, Y: Yellow Cards, R: Red Cards, GF: Goals For, GA: Goals Against, SO: Shutouts,SV: Saves, CK: Corner Kicks, PKA: Penalty Kick Attempts, PKG: Penalty Kick Goals, PKS: Penalty Kick Saves