Scorpions Add Jamaican International Khari Stephenson

The San Antonio Scorpions have come to terms with the San Jose Earthquakes on a loan for midfielder Khari Stephenson, the team announced Thursday.

"Khari is an experienced addition to our squad as an eight-year MLS veteran who has played in Europe, CONCACAF Champions League, and internationally for the Jamaican national team,” head coach Alen Marcina said. “He brings leadership, vision, and an acute ability to read the game in the center of the park. At this important juncture in the season with half the points to play for, we are delighted to have him."

In 2004, the 6-foot-2 native of Kingston, Jamaica, was drafted 27th overall by the Chicago Fire in the MLS SuperDraft. He was soon traded to the Kansas City Wizards, where he spent two seasons before going overseas to Europe. Stephenson played in 50 matches and scored five goals in Sweden’s top league and then in 2008, he crossed the border to play for Aelesunds FK in Norway. In 2009, he helped the team win the Norwegian Cup and qualify for the Europa Cup.

He moved back across the pond in 2010 when he was loaned to the San Jose Earthquakes. He signed outright with the team in 2011 and went on to have one of his best years as he scored five goals, notched four assists, started 27 matches, played 2,256 minutes, and twice won MLS Goal of the Week honors. Overall in his MLS career, Stephenson has appeared in 120 matches with 11 goals, 11 assists, and over 6,000 minutes played.

“It’ll be great to come out with some experience and some fire to help the team win some games and try to push them up the table,” Stephenson said.

Internationally, Stephenson played for the Jamaican U-20s in the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina. He made his senior team debut for the Reggae Boyz against Guatemala in 2004 and has since earned 26 caps and scored three goals.

Stephenson played collegiately at Williams College and was named a Division III first-team All-American during his junior and senior seasons. In his senior year, he scored 15 goals and overall accumulated 40 goals and 18 assists in an impressive college career.

Khari Stephenson’s professional career includes time with: Kansas City Wizards (MLS), GAIS (Allsvenskan – Sweden), AIK (Allsvenskan – Sweden), Aelesunds FK (Tippeligaen - Norway), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), Real Salt Lake (MLS), and again with San Jose Earthquakes.