2017 Mitre Golden Ball Award Announced
Dakota Fusion FC star Jade Johnson is voted the league’s top player by teams across the country after leading the NPSL in goals per game.
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is proud to announce Dakota Fusion FC forward Jade Johnson as the recipient of the 2017 Mitre Golden Ball award.
“I’m very privileged and grateful, that a first-year team out of North Dakota, an area where the popularity for soccer is still growing, is able to achieve this award,” Johnson commented. “The team owner and administration have worked very hard to make this possible in a very challenging area. The players, coaches, and staff have cleared the path to provide opportunity for young and rising talent in the tri-city area. Bringing this award to the area will help illustrate what can be accomplished to anyone willing to make the necessary sacrifices.”
Johnson scored 17 goals and two assists in the 2017 regular season. His goals per game average (GPG) was 1.3077, which was higher than the 2017 NPSL Golden Boot co-winners.
“Jade had a tremendous year for us here with the Dakota Fusion,” Dakota Fusion FC Head Coach Jim Robbins added. “He was an integral part of our success this season and we could not have achieved our success as a team without his individual effort, team first attitude, and goal scoring ability. He is a pleasure to work with, fun to watch play, and a handful to defend. We are honored to have Jade in our team.”
Johnson grew up in West Fargo, North Dakota, graduating from West Fargo High School before majoring in Computer Science and Information Technology at the University of Jamestown (ND) beginning in 2011. As part of the soccer program at UJ, Johnson was selected as an NAIA All-American twice in his career and still holds the program record for goals scored (35), points (87), and games played (77).
Johnson is currently working full-time as an Applications Systems Specialist at Agricover Inc. as well as working part-time at the Jamestown Regional Airport. Working two jobs in Jamestown, ND as well playing for the Dakota Fusion, located 100 miles away in Fargo, ND has produced a challenging schedule for the Fusion’s leading goalscorer.
