ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Saint Louis FC announced the signing of defender/midfielder Jonathan Barden, pending USL and U.S. Soccer Federation approval.

Barden was born in London, England and played in the Wealdstone FC youth system before attending James Madison University from 2011-2014 where made 65 appearances and scored six goals during his collegiate career. He also played for the Ottawa Fury PDL team during the 2013 season where he made 10 appearances. Barden signed his first professional contract with Íþróttabandalag Vestmannaeyja (ÍBV) in Iceland and made 33 appearances during the 2015-2016 seasons. He would return to Ottawa Fury FC in 2017 and appear in 27 games and score one goal during the 2017 USL season.

“Jonathan is another great addition for the upcoming season,” said Anthony Pulis, STLFC Head Coach. “He’s a solid right back that can also play in a number of positions—center back, center midfield, etc.—and he really impressed me last season at Ottawa. He also fits the mold of everything we are looking for in terms of desire on the field and character off the field.”

“I’m delighted to have signed with Saint Louis FC,” said Barden. “Anthony is a really ambitious manager and he is assembling a great squad that I cannot wait to join. Also, the fans in St. Louis are some of the best in the league so I’m excited to play in front of them and bring the success they undoubtedly deserve this season.”