Rayo OKC Inks Three More Veteran Players To Inaugural Roster

Rayo OKC will open the 2016 North American Soccer League season bolstered by three more international players with a wealth of experience.

The signings of Ryan Johnson, Yuma, and Futty Danso, who have been training with the club and all lined up in a 3-1 preseason scrimmage win over Jacksonville Armada FC, were confirmed this week as the countdown to the 2016 kickoff continues. Johnson assisted on Richard Menjivar’s second goal in the win over Armada FC.

“You can never add too much experience, so the ability to sign three proven players is an ideal situation,” Rayo OKC coach Alen Marcina said. “Danso and Johnson understand the landscape of soccer in North America and Yuma understands our style and the way we carry ourselves and play, so they are a massive addition.”

Johnson has 36 international appearances for Jamaica and arrives from Seoul E-Land of the Korea Republic K League Challenge.  He previously played for Henan Jianye of the Chinese Super League and Osters in Sweden, and averaged almost a goal every two games with Toronto FC, where he won the Canadian Championship.

Coach Marcina said of the forward: “Johnson consistently scored at the MLS level and has a number of games for the Jamaican national team.  He is a proven goalscorer and any time you can add a player with his obvious ability is a blessing.”

Madrid native Javier Monsálvez, more commonly known as Yuma, comes to Oklahoma City after playing with the Spanish club Puerta Bonita.  He has spent time with Rayo Vallecano, Fuenlabrada, Salamanca, and Ontinyent.

“Yuma is another experienced team player who understands what we are trying to build here in terms of our style and philosophy,” Marcina said.  “There is a lot of similarity with our big brother team in Spain and he has played there.  He knows what we expect not only in the short term, but also our long-term goals.”

Danso was a member of the Carolina RailHawks in 2015 and has won 10 Gambian national team caps since making his debut in 2011.  He starred with the Portland Timbers and Montreal Impact in the USL before joining the ranks of the Timbers’ MLS squad.

“You get a player with international experience, and a MLS veteran who also has a season in the NASL as a starter,” Marcina said of Danso.  “He brings leadership and has a true presence on the field.  He commands the ball and is a vocal leader on the field.”