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)

2013 Season Statistics

2012 Season Statistics

2011 Season Statistics

2010 Season Statistics

2009 Season Statistics

2008 Season Statistics

2006 Season Statistics

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

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