Declan Vargas

Washingtonspirit.com

Boyds, Md., (12/18/19) – The Washington Spirit have signed forward Kumi Yokoyama. Per club and league policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The Japanese forward first burst onto the international scene during the 2010 U-17 World Cup when she scored a Puskás nominated wondergoal, dribbling past six defenders before slotting the ball into the corner past the goalkeeper. The standout performer also took home the Silver Ball and Bronze Boot.

Internationally, Yokoyama has made 43 appearances for the Japanese National team, scoring 17 goals. Additionally, the 26-year-old joined Japan at the 2019 World Cup this summer and made two appearances.

On the club level, the crafty forward began her career in 2012 with Okayama Yunogo Belle in Okayama, Japan. Yokoyama spent two years with the club, appearing in 31 games and scoring three goals.

Yokoyama transferred to Japanese club AC Nagano Parceiro in 2014, where she scored an eye-popping 30 goals in just 21 appearances. In the following season, Yokoyama maintained her stellar form in front of goal, scoring 35 times in 25 games and propelling Nagano Parceiro’s promotion campaign to the Japanese first division.

Overall, Yokoyama spent five years with the club between 2014 and 2019, scoring 99 goals in 144 appearances. The forward was named Japan Women’s Football League MVP in 2015.

Yokoyama has played outside of Japan as well, as she spent the 2017-2018 season on loan at FFC Frankfurt, playing in 24 games and scoring six goals during her time with the German side.

Spirit Head Coach Richie Burke on the club’s newest signing, “We are thrilled to bring in another international player of quality to improve our squad for 2020. Kumi will be a fabulous addition and give us another high caliber option in the attacking zone next season.” Burke continued, “Looking forward to integrating her into our squad and learning a little bit of Japanese too!”

Transaction: Washington Spirit sign forward Kumi Yokoyama

Kumi Yokoyama

Position: Forward

Height: 5-1

Date of Birth: August 13, 1993

Hometown: Tokyo, Japan

Last Club: AC Nagano Parceiro