The San Jose Earthquakes desperately need help when it comes to generating scoring opportunities. GM John Doyle has addressed his team’s weakness by signing Jamaican midfielder Khari Stephenson on Wednesday.
“Adding an experienced physical presence like Khari to our team is something we have been looking to do for a little while now,” Doyle said in a team statement. “He brings a great touch and solid work rate to our midfield that will benefit us in our push for the playoffs and in the future.”
MLS fans will remember Stephenson’s name from his time with the Chicago Fire, the team which drafted him 27th overall in the 2004 SuperDraft. The Fire later traded the NCAA Division III product to Kansas City, where he played just nine games over two seasons.
Stephenson then took his game to Scandinavia for five years. The 29-year-old was most recently playing in the Norwegian first division with Aalesunds FK, a team which he helped earn a berth to the current edition of the Europa League.
Whether Stephenson would be available for this Saturday’s match against Kansas City will depend on receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC). He would be the second Jamaican international player on the Earthquakes roster, along with forward Ryan Johnson.
