Ismaila Jome
- Years with club: 2016 (NASL); 2017 (MLS)
- Position: Defender (Left-Back) / Midfielder (Winger)
- Nationality: Gambian / American (dual nationality)
- Local Ties: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Ismaila “Ish” Jome is a local Minnesota product who first signed with the club in March 2016, when it was competing in the North American Soccer League (NASL). Born in Gambia but raised in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Jome was a highly-regarded local talent, having been named the 2012 Minnesota Mr. Soccer. He made the transition with the club into Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2017, where he served as a versatile depth option, playing as a winger or left-back.
Key stats with Minnesota United (NASL & MLS):
- NASL regular season appearances (2016): 9
- NASL goals: 1
- MLS regular season appearances (2017): 12 (7 starts)
- MLS goals: 0
- Acquisition: Signed a professional contract on March 4, 2016.
- Departure: Contract option declined at the end of the 2017 MLS season.
Memorable moments:
- Hometown hero: He was celebrated as one of the first local players to sign a professional contract with the club.
- Professional debut goal: In his professional debut for the club on July 23, 2016, Jome scored his first professional goal just seven minutes after coming on as a substitute against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
- College accolades: Before turning pro, he was a decorated college player at UC Santa Barbara, where he earned All-Big West Conference First Team honors.
Where is he now?:
- Jome has had a journeyman career across the USL Championship and MLS NEXT Pro since leaving Minnesota, playing for clubs including Nashville SC, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Austin Bold, Portland Timbers, and San Antonio FC.
- He has also represented the Gambia national team in World Cup qualifiers.
- Jome is currently a defender/midfielder for USL League One club Spokane Velocity FC, a team he joined in June 2024.
- He remains a versatile player, often featuring as a left-back or in a wide midfield role.
