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Tag: Jonathan Mensah

  • New England Revolution introduces ex-Ghanaian standout Jonathan Mensah

    New England Revolution introduces ex-Ghanaian standout Jonathan Mensah

    Former Ghanaian defender Jonathan Mensah has been officially introduced by the New England Revolution ahead of the upcoming Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

    Mensah, who arrived at the club as a free agent following his departure from the San Jose Earthquakes, expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter in New England.

    The MLS Cup champion and former MLS Best XI honoree has signed a one-year contract with the Revolution for the 2024 MLS season, with an additional one-year option for 2025.

    With seven seasons of MLS experience under his belt, including a notable six-year spell with the Columbus Crew from 2017 to 2022, Mensah brings valuable expertise to his new team.

    During his time with the Crew, Mensah played a pivotal role in securing the 2020 MLS Cup title under the leadership of New England’s head coach, Caleb Porter. He notably featured in every minute of both the regular season and playoffs, earning recognition in the MLS Best XI.

    Following his success with the Columbus Crew, Mensah continued to excel in the MLS, achieving milestones with both the Crew and the San Jose Earthquakes.

    In 2021, Mensah played a pivotal role in securing the Campeones Cup for the Crew before achieving a personal career high with 30 starts during the 2022 season.

    Transitioning to the San Jose Earthquakes ahead of the 2023 campaign, the 33-year-old made significant contributions, including 26 appearances and 21 starts, aiding the team’s postseason qualification.

    Throughout his tenure with the Crew, Mensah showcased exceptional leadership qualities, earning the title of Defender of the Year for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020.

    His impact extended beyond the field, as he was also recognised as the club’s Humanitarian of the Year in 2017 for his philanthropic efforts through the Jonathan Mensah Foundation.

    Mensah’s professional journey began in his native Ghana with Ashanti Gold, where he made his debut as a teenager during the 2007–08 season. He subsequently ventured abroad, representing clubs such as Free State Stars in South Africa, Udinese in Italy, Evian in France, and Anzhi Makhachkala in the Russian Premier League, before making his mark in the MLS.

    During his time with Evian in France’s Ligue 1 from 2011 to 2015, Mensah accumulated 44 appearances, showcasing his talent in one of Europe’s top leagues. Additionally, he gained valuable experience on loan with Granada in Spain’s Segunda División, featuring in 15 matches between 2009 and 2011.

    On the international stage, Mensah has made significant contributions to the Ghana Men’s National Team, earning 70 caps. He has represented Ghana in two FIFA World Cups, notably aiding the Black Stars in reaching the quarterfinals in South Africa in 2010 and making three appearances during the group stage in Brazil in 2014.

    Mensah’s international journey began at the Under-20 level, where he played a pivotal role in Ghana’s success at the 2009 African Youth Championship and the subsequent FIFA U-20 World Cup.

  • Veteran Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah extends Columbus Crew stay

    Ghana international, Jonathan Mensah is set to spend one more season at Columbus Crew after agreeing to extend his contract.

    The former Black Stars regular signed for the Major League Soccer club in 2017 and has since gone on to become an important player for the team.

    At the end of the 2022 MLS season for Columbus Crew, the club has taken various decisions relating to players on the team’s roaster.

    According to a club statement, it has exercised the option to extend the contract of a number of players including Jonathan Mensah to 2023.

    “Columbus Crew today announced roster decisions following the 2022 Major League Soccer season. The Club exercised the contract options on eight players, while 15 players were already under contract for 2023.

    “The Crew exercised the options of goalkeepers Evan Bush and Brady Scott; defenders Jonathan Mensah and Steven Moreira; and midfielders Artur, Luis Diaz, Darlington Nagbe and Isaiah Parente.

    “Goalkeepers Eloy Room and Patrick Schulte; defenders Milos Degenek, Mo Farsi, Jake Morris, Will Sands and Josh Williams; midfielders Kevin Molino, Alex Matan, Aidan Morris, Yaw Yeboah, Sean Zawadzki and Lucas Zelarayan; and forwards Cucho Hernandez and Jacen Russell-Rowe were already under contract for the 2023 season,” parts of a Columbus Crew statement has said.

    Since joining Columbus Crew, Jonathan Mensah has played over 170 matches in the Major League Soccer.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • 2022 World Cup: Black Stars are unpredictable – Jonathan Mensah

    Ghana international Jonathan Mensah has opened up on the Black Stars chances ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be staged in Qatar.

    The West African powerhouse are returning to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018, where France emerged as winners.

    The Black Stars has been paired in Group H against European giants Portugal, two-time World Cup winners, Uruguay and Asian giants, South Korea at the mundial.

    In an interview, the Columbus Crew captain botched to predict the Black Stars chances but said the four-time African champions are unpredictable at World Cup.

    “Ghana is one of the unpredicted teams in the World because the Black Stars has been underrated in the previous World Cup tournament that we have participated in considering the groups we have been paired”

    “We are one of the most underrated teams but then, we have been doing well at the World Cup. so I cannot predict going into the 2022 edition”

    The 2022 World Cup tournament has been scheduled for November and December this year with 32 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy in the Asian country.

    Ghana will open their World Cup account against Portugal before taking Uruguay and South Korea respectively.

  • Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah celebrates 13 years after FIFA U-20 World Cup triumph

    Ghana international Jonathan Mensah has celebrated 13 years of the Black Satellites FIFA World Cup glory in Egypt.

    The defender who currently plies his trade for American side Columbus Crew played a huge role when Ghana defeated Brazil on penalties to lift the trophy on the African continent.

    The Ghana’s U-20 national team became the first African country to win the FIFA World Cup title at the U-20 level, 13 years ago in Egypt against Brazil.

    Ten-man Ghana beat Brazil 4-3 on penalties after there were no goals in 120 minutes of action to become the first African team to win the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Cairo, Egypt on Friday night.

    “13 years ago, we were crowned champions of the U-20 youth World Cup. God has been more than good to all of us” the Columbus Crew captain posted on Facebook sighted by Footballghana.com.

    Several players from that team have gone on to represent Ghana at the senior level.

    Notable amongst them are Daniel Agyei, Emmanuel Agyemang Boadu, Jonathan Mensah, Samuel Inkoom and Dominic Adiyiah.

    Source: Footballghana

  • U.S. Embassy Ghana congratulates Jonathan Mensah for winning MLS title with Columbus Crew

    The U.S. Embassy Ghana has congratulated Black Stars defender Jonathan Mensah after leading Columbus Crew to lift the 2020 Major Soccer League title this season.

    The 30-year-old captained Columbus Crew to win the MLS title for the first time this season as they defeated Seattle Sounders in the finals.

    Lucas Zelarayan scored a brace in the game and Derrick Etienne rounded up the game with his goal for the new MLS Champions.

    “Congratulations to Jonathan Mensah for leading his team the Columbus Crew SC through the 2020 season to win the Major League Soccer cup. Ghanaian players Harrison Afful and Emmanuel Boateng also play for the team”, a post on the official page of the U.S. Embassy Ghana indicated.

    See their post on Facebook below:

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • ‘Zlatan-inspired’ Jonathan Mensah is not ruling out a return to Europe

    Black Stars defender, Jonathan Mensah is not giving up on a dream return to Europe after three years in the Major League Soccer.

    The 30-year-old has been one of the best center backs in the MLS, leading Columbus Crew to the 2020 title with some solid displays.

    Having left Anzhi in 2017 for the USA, where it’s mostly considered as a retiring league, the experienced defender rejected such statements sighting an example in AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

    “You never say never. What would get your name out there is to keep putting in solid performances week in, week out for your team and doors will open,” he told the BBC when asked if he will return to Europe.

    “This league has attracted big superstars, the likes of David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane, Wayne Rooney, and recently Zlatan Ibrahimovic.”

    “People keep saying this is a retirement league but we’ve seen it’s the complete opposite. We saw Zlatan came here at age 35 and scored lots of great goals.”

    “He gave the fans something to shout about with great games, he went back to Europe and is still scoring at the top level like he never left. That tells you how great this league has been and it can only get better from here.”

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • “It’s such an incredible achievement for the team” – Columbus Crew skipper Jonathan Mensah

    Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah says winning the 2020 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup is ‘pretty special’ for Columbus Crew.

    The 30-year-old produced a sold shift in defence to help Porter’s men keep a clean sheet in their 3-0 win over Seattle Sounders.

    Mensah became the first skipper to led Crew to win their second MLS Cup having clinched their first title in 2008.

    “It’s such an incredible achievement for the team because we’ve been through so much as a club, city and everyone connected to Columbus,” Mensah told BBC Sport Africa.

    “The community and everyone behind the Save the Crew movement made it all happen, we the players and staff are just the vehicles that delivered it.

    “Their determination, resilience and undying desire gave us the strength and determination to accomplish this mission because this is pretty special.

    “When you look at life in the past three years, what they’ve done off the field and how this year has been for all, this trophy is our little contribution to say ‘thank you’ for everything.”

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Jonathan Mensah proud to make century of appearances for Columbus Crew

    Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah is delighted to have made 100 appearances for MLS side Columbus Crew.

    The 30-year-old celebrated his centurion of appearances for the club over the weekend in Crew’s 2-1 win over Atlanta United.

    Mensah was named captain of the Black and Golds at the start of the 2020 season and has since featured in every single game this year as they clinched a play-offs spot.

    “Good to have made my 100th appearance for Columbus Crew and in a city I call home. Also fitting that I played every minute of the regular season. All the Glory to God. Now unto the playoffs,” he wrote on Twitter.

    Good to have made my 100th appearance for @ColumbusCrewSC and in a city I call home. Also fitting that I played every minute of the regular season. All the Glory to God. Now unto the playoffs.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Mensah, Afful feature as Columbus Crew thrash Chicago Fire FC

    Ghanaian pair Jonathan Mensah and Harrison Afful featured for Columbus Crew in their 3-0 win over Chicago Fire FC on Thursday night in the Major League Soccer.

    Mensah and Afful both lasted the entire duration of the game as the Gold and Blacks sealed a comfortable victory at MAPFRE Stadium.

    Derrick Etienne opened the scoring for the hosts in the 20th minute before Darlington Nagbe doubled their advantage with a beautiful volley in the 81st minute.

    US-born Ghanaian Gyasi Zardes put the icing on the cake with a fine strike with two minutes left to make it 3-0.

    Ghanaian winger Ema Boateng played his first-ever match for Crew after climbing off the bench to Derrick Etienne in the 75th minute – having joined the club from Major League Soccer Eastern Conference rivals DC United on Monday.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Afful, Mensah’s Columbus Crew to face Minnesota United

    Ghanaian duo Harrison and Jonathan Mensah‘s Columbus Crew will face Minnesota United in the round of 16 of the MLS is Back tournament.

    The Gold and Blacks set up a date with Minnesota after finishing top of group E, winning all three games without conceding a goal.

    Minnesota were runners up in group D, winning a game and drawing two.

    Columbus Crew have been unstoppable in the competition, and were the best team after the first round with a hundred percent record.

    The Ghanaian pair have also been important to the team at the tournament with their leader being Jonathan Mensah.

    Mensah hopes to be the first African captain to win the MLS with Columbus Crew.

    Elsewhere, Ghanaian midfielder Latif Blessing’s LAFC will face MLS champions Seattle Sounders in the round of 16 after finishing second in group F.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Jonathan Mensah stars as Columbus Crew win to progress in MLS is Back tourney

    Ghana defender and Columbus Crew captain Jonathan Mensah was in top form as the Gold and Blacks beat New York Red Bulls to progress to the round of 16 in the MLS is Back tournament.

    Mensah lasted the entire duration, making sure Crew did not concede as they cruised to victory.

    American born Ghanaian forward, Gyasi Zardes, opened the scoring after 22 minutes after collecting a Pedro Santos throw and finished off brilliantly.

    Recording signing, Lucas Zelarayan, netted the second just two minutes after the break.

    The win lifted Crew to top of Group E, handing them passage to the next stage.

    Mensah was named Man of the Match but his compatriot Harrison Afful missed the game.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ex-Nigerian leader appointed to mediate Mali crisis

    Former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, has been appointed a special envoy for Mali to try resolve the political crisis in the country.

    He is expected to bring together key parties including President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, opposition leaders, civil society as well as religious organisations for a dialogue on the crisis.

    Mr Jonathan’s appointment was announced by Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, head of the West African economic bloc, Ecowas.

    “I have the honour, in consultation with the Chair of the Authority, H.E. Issoufou Mahamadou, President of the Republic of Niger, to communicate to you the decision to appoint you as Ecowas Special Envoy for the sociopolitical crisis in Mali,” a letter quoted by local media said.

    Mali has been wracked by protests in recent weeks, with demonstrators demanding for President Keïta to step aside over a raft of issues including disputed elections.

    The protests have also been fuelled by weak public services and the government’s inability to bring an end to inter-communal and jihadist violence.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Jonathan Mensah reminisces ‘sweet’ MLS debut goal for Columbus Crew

    Columbus Crew captain Jonathan Mensah remembers his first Major League Soccer goal for Columbus Crew in 2017 against FC Dallas.

    The Ghana defender popped up to head in from a beautiful cross from teammate Higuain as the Black and Golds defeated Dallas 2-1.

    Mensah says he can’t forget that beautiful header describing it as a sweet one.

    “You always remember your first and it was sweet indeed,” he retweeted with a video of the goal.

    The ex-Ashantigold academy product has gone on to become an influential player for the Columbus Crew since joining from Anzhi Makachakala in 2016.

    Mensah has scored three times for the MLS side in 77 appearances for the club.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

     

  • Losing the 2015 AFCON final is more painful than not reaching the WC semifinals – Jonathan Mensah

    Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah says ‘losing the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final’ is the most painful defeat in his football career.

    The Columbus Crew SC captain picked the agonizing defeat to Ivory Coast in 2015 over not reaching the FIFA World Cup semifinal after suffering a penalty shootout loss Uruguay.

    The two defeats haunts every Ghanaian football fan, after having an initiative in both games only to throw it away in bizarre circumstance.

    Mensah was a member of both teams and played an integral role in both games.

    “I will go for the African Cup because, its painful,” he told Owuraku Ampofo of Joy Sports in an Instagram Live interview. “For the World Cup we have been there for three times only with all the greats talents we have had in the past,” he added.

    “We weren’t even born when we had the likes of the other greats that won the African Cup. So I would say we have only been to the world cup three times and we had missed out on the African Cup over 37 years I think, so it would be good to win the African Cup soon.

    “I would say missing out on the African Cup final, because we were leading 2-0 in the penalty shootout then you lose it, that is very painful,” he concluded.

    Ghana has not won the Africa Cup of Nations since 1982.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Eric Bekoe names Jonathan Mensah as the toughest defender he faced in the GPL

    Former Ghana Premier League goal king Eric Bekoe has picked Columbus Crew captain Jonathan Mensah as the most difficult defender he played against in the Ghana Premier League.

    Bekoe faced Mensah, who was then an Ashantigold defender in the Ghana Premier League in the 2007/08 season, the season he won the Golden Boot.

    The former Asante Kotoko striker was in top form scoring against any team he came across but had a tough time against the FIFA U-20 World Cup winner.

    “Jonathan Mensah is the best defender I played against in the Ghana Premier League,” he told Sikka Sports.

    Eric Bekoe came across many top defenders, and he is always remember for the hell he went through in a game against Hearts of Oak, where he was ‘manhandled’ by Daniel Coleman.

    The 33-year old had an excellent season in the 2007/08 season, going to win the Ghana Premier League and the FA Cup under coach Bashiru Hayford.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Jonathan Mensah runs commentary on one of Columbus Crew’s MLS classic games

    Black Stars defender and Columbus Crew captain Jonathan Mensah has made his debut commentary after appearing on MLS’s ‘Hell is Real’ rivalry rematch.

    The 29-year old run the commentary on Columbus Crew’s big win against Cincinnati FC in the 2019 Major League Soccer game alongside Andrew Guzman, Andrew Wiebe and Matt Doyle.

    The FIFA U-20 World Cup winner gave narrations as the game went on and spoke about his famous battle in the game with a Cincinnati forward during the match.

    Columbus Crew won the game by three goals to One at the MAPFRE Sports Stadium on August 25, 2019.Watch full video below:

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com