MLS Preview: Top 10 Must Watch Players Of African Descent - #10 Jeremy Ebobisse
The young and cunning forward looks to establish himself as a regular for the Portland Timbers after a strong end to 2018.
Jeremy Ebobisse #11 of United States controls the ball during the first half of the international friendly against the Panama at State Farm Stadium on January 27, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona.
(Jan. 26, 2019 - Source: Getty Images North America)
The 22-year-old forward is such a one who had nothing but only good vibes towards the end of the 2018 MLS season. The young striker who is of Cameroonian and Malagasy descent, born in France and represents the United States Men’s National Team has big goals in the new season and so are his spectators, we have huge expectations for the youngster as well. In fact, the year has already gotten off to a bright start for the Portland striker fondly known as “Jebo” by his teammates. He made his USMNT debut on the 27th of January and as the season kicks-off, he will be looking to cement his place as the ever reliable forward for the Timbers. Jebo helped Portland Timbers to reach the 2018 MLS Cup finals, starting 6 post-season games, one more than the starts afforded him in the regular season, even scoring 6 goals in all those appearances.
Ebobisse was acquired as No.4 overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft and is yet to look back though he has had to be more patient to get his chance. Jebo went to Walter Johnson High School, Bethesda in Maryland, teaming up with the likes of Arsenal forward, Gedion Zelalem eventually playing college soccer between 2014-15 at Duke University where he scored 9 goals and assisted 7 others in 30 starts. He has also appeared for the United States U-20s, helping them win their first ever CONCACAF Championship, qualifying for the 2017 FIFA U-20s World Cup. Patience and grit have been the cornerstone of the youngster’s achievements, who had to wait to be drafted by the Portland Timbers in 2017 though having signed a professional MLS contract in August of 2016 but without a club.
To all his opponents, the explosive and industrious forward will be a matchup problem to solve for opposing defences this season. But as for the rest of us, we can’t wait to see Jeremy take the next another positive step in his young MLS career.