JONNY WALKER

'Jonny Walker' (born September 13, 1974 in Torrance, California) is an American soccer goalkeeper, the first American to become a starting player on a South American soccer club.
Walker's soccer career is unparalleled for an American player. After playing a year at the University of Louisville, he joined the Memphis Jackals of the USISL. Upon the formation of MLS, he was drafted 28th overall in the 1996 MLS Supplemental Draft, and became a third-string goalkeeper of the 1996 Dallas Burn, behind Mark Dodd. Unhappy with his situation, he left MLS and played for the now-defunct Jacksonville Cyclones of the A-League.
On a recommendation, Walker went to Chile and signed with Universidad Católica. They loaned him out to Huachipato in 1998, then brought him back, and he became the starting goalkeeper for the club, playing in the Copa Libertadores, and winnig the Apertura 2002 Championship. Jonny then signed with Colo-Colo in 2003, and played a season there. Walker came back to the US later that year, signing with the MetroStars, who just lost starting goalkeeper Tim Howard. He has been with the Metros since, but followed a terrific 2003 with an erratic second season. After the emergence of Zach Wells in 2005 and the trade for Tony Meola, Walker was shipped to the Columbus Crew. He retired after the 2006 season due to a chronic, inoperable back injury.
Since coming back to the States, Walker received his first cap for the United States national team against Denmark in January of 2004.

Contents

External links

External links

★ Jonny Walker articles on Yanks Abroad