Ryan James (soccer) facts for kids
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James with Nashville SC in 2018
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ryan Lee James | ||
| Date of birth | April 21, 1994 | ||
| Place of birth | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada | ||
| Height | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Youth career | |||
| –2011 | Dixie SC | ||
| 2012 | Toronto FC | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2012–2015 | Bowling Green Falcons | 79 | (9) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2012 | TFC Academy | ||
| 2015 | Toronto FC III | 1 | (0) |
| 2016–2017 | Rochester Rhinos | 59 | (1) |
| 2018 | Nashville SC | 16 | (0) |
| 2019–2020 | Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC | 50 | (5) |
| 2021–2022 | Birmingham Legion FC | 59 | (1) |
| 2023 | HFX Wanderers | 6 | (0) |
| 2024– | Scrosoppi FC | 14 | (0) |
| 2024– | → Scrosoppi FC B | 1 | (1) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of August 11, 2024 | |||
Ryan Lee James, born on April 21, 1994, is a Canadian soccer player. He plays as a defender for Scrosoppi FC in League1 Ontario.
Contents
Early Life and Youth Soccer
Ryan started playing soccer when he was four years old. His first team was Dixie SC. Later, he joined the Toronto FC Academy, which is a special training program for young soccer players. Ryan also played for the Ontario provincial team. He won silver medals with the team at national tournaments when he was under 14 and under 16 years old.
College Soccer Career
In 2012, Ryan decided to go to Bowling Green University. He played for their men's soccer team, the Bowling Green Falcons.
First College Goals
- On September 9, 2012, Ryan scored his first goal for the college team.
- He also made his first assist in that game, which ended in a 3–3 tie.
- On October 30, 2012, he scored two goals in one game. This helped his team win 3–2.
- Because of his great performance, he was named Bowling Green's Athlete of the Week.
College Achievements
Ryan played very well throughout his college career.
- In his second year, he was recognized for his good grades and soccer skills.
- In his third year, he received several awards for being one of the best players in his region and conference.
- Before his final year, Ryan was chosen as a team captain.
- He continued to earn awards for his academic and athletic achievements.
- Ryan played in every single game for his team during his four years, which was 79 games.
- He scored nine goals and helped set up 15 others.
Professional Club Career
Ryan James has played for several professional soccer clubs.
Early Professional Steps
- In 2012, Ryan played for the TFC Academy in the Canadian Soccer League.
- He also played one game for Toronto FC III in 2015.
- In 2016, Sporting Kansas City picked him in the MLS SuperDraft. However, he did not sign with them.
Playing for Rochester and Nashville
- In March 2016, Ryan signed with the Rochester Rhinos. They played in the USL.
- In December 2017, he moved to Nashville SC for the 2018 season.
Time with Pittsburgh Riverhounds
- In November 2018, Ryan joined Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.
- In April 2019, he was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for the first time.
- He scored his first goal for the Riverhounds on August 1, 2020.
- On August 28, 2020, Ryan scored two goals in one game. This earned him the USL Championship Player of the Week award.
- He scored two more goals on September 12, again making the Team of the Week.
- For the 2020 season, fans voted him as the Steel Army Player of the Year.
Moving to Birmingham and HFX Wanderers
- In December 2020, Ryan signed with Birmingham Legion FC.
- He scored his first goal for the Legion on July 9, 2022.
- In July 2022, he was again named to the USL Team of the Week.
- In February 2023, Ryan signed with the HFX Wanderers in the Canadian Premier League.
- He was named an assistant captain for the 2023 season.
- Ryan made his debut for the Wanderers on April 15, 2023.
- Unfortunately, he had an injury in July 2023 and missed the rest of the season.
- The Wanderers decided not to keep him for the 2024 season.
Current Club
- Ryan James currently plays for Scrosoppi FC in League1 Ontario. He also plays for their reserve team, Scrosoppi FC B.
International Experience
Ryan has also been part of the Canadian national soccer program.
- He attended training camps with the Canada U17 team in August and November 2010.
Personal Life
Ryan has an older brother named Evan James. Evan is also a professional soccer player. In September 2022, Ryan received a special scholarship. This scholarship helps him get training to become a soccer coach. He is working towards his B coaching license.
