Oakland, CA – Oakland Roots have re-signed Soccer WIthout Borders product No. 91 Yohannes Harish. An original from both the 2019 and 2020 league seasons. Harish is an Oakland International High School graduate and former Holy Names University midfielder who became a staple of the 2020 Roots starting XI.
“Yohannes is someone who wears our purpose and mission on his sleeve,” said Roots Technical Director Jordan Ferrell. “He is a dynamic, creative player who represents our style and the way we want to bring the elements that make Oakland special onto the pitch.”
Yohannes, was born in Eritrea and moved to Oakland at the age of 14. Harish played for Soccer Without Borders Oakland (SWB), a purpose partner of the Oakland Roots, while attending Oakland International High School. SWB Oakland serves more than 350 newcomer refugee, asylee, and immigrant boys and girls in Oakland through year-round programs and summer camps. Following high school, Yohannes went on to play locally for Holy Names University in Oakland, where he was named captain during his junior and senior seasons.
“I have been involved with Roots since the beginning and it has been such an exciting journey and I have made a lot of progress as a player as well as a lot of sacrifices and put a lot of work to be where I am today,” said Harish. “I’m thankful to the Oakland Roots organization for this opportunity to prove myself and challenge myself once again. I’m excited to start a new chapter in this new journey with the Roots.”
Harish will continue to wear No. 91 going into the inaugural 2021 USL Championship season. “This number is special to me because 1991 is the year Eritrea got its independence,” he said. “Also, the nine represents the nine different ethnicities in Eritrea. The one represents the fact that we are one nation.”
“I can’t wait to play in front of family, friends and the hometown fans. I am proud to be part of a club that’s purpose driven, community oriented and progressive.”
