On Jan. 31, Former Saint Louis University soccer forward Will John has signed with Randers FC in Denmark, a club that plays in the country’s premier league, the Danish Superliga. John will continue his professional career in Europe after three years of Major League Soccer.
The Danish Superliga is the current Danish football championship tournament, and it is administered by the Danish Football Association. It is the highest league of football (soccer) in Denmark and is currently contested by 12 teams each year.
“It is a great accomplishment for Will to find a club in Europe to continue his career, because that is not an easy thing for a young American to do,” Men’s Soccer Coach Dan Donigan said. “He is extremely talented and skillful, and there are a number of clubs in the world that could use a player like Will. We look forward to following his career in Europe and wish him well.”
John played with the Billikens from 2003-2004. In 2003, the forward was named second-team NSCAA All-Midwest Region, second-team All-Conference and to the C-USA All-Freshman team.
In 2004, John w as named first-team All-Conference and NSCAA second-team All-Midwest Region. He was also one of 16 semifinalists for the prestigious Hermann Trophy.
In just two years at SLU, John notched 19 goals and nine assists, earning a total of 49 points in his SLU career. Furthermore, nine of his 19 goals were game-winning goals.
In January of 2005, John received a bid to play professional soccer, thus cutting his tenure at SLU to two years. Both he and then freshman defender Tim Ward accepted bids into the MLS.
“We wish both Will and Tim the best of luck as they take this next big step in their playing careers,” Donigan said in a 2004 press release. “Playing professionally is a tremendous challenge, and we hope that they are prepared to put in their best effort for this transition. Their best soccer is ahead of them, and we hope that they both land in good situations.”
John was drafted by the Chicago Fire in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. He appeared in six matches as a rookie, including two starts and one registered assist.
John was then traded to the Kansas City Wizards in 2006. He appeared in 10 games during his MLS career. John has also played on several U.S. National Teams, including the U-20 squad in 2005 that competed at the FIFA World Youth Championship.
Soccer runs in John’s family, as his father Emilio starred for the Kansas City Comets and St. Louis Steamers of the Major Indoor Soccer League, as well as the Nigerian National Team.
