Jemal Johnson’s first goal for Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Sofia could not have come in a bigger match, earning his side a berth to the Europa League in the final match of the Bulgarian A League season.
The American’s 65th minute goal was the difference on Saturday as Lokomotiv earned a 1-0 win at Slavia Sofia to secure fourth place and a spot in European competition next season.
Johnson wasn’t picked upon to start the match but he came on as an injury substitution in the 14th minute for Iskren Pisarov. The attacker would be at the end of the most dangerous opportunities for his side, finishing off the game winner in the 65th minute after his shot was aided by a deflection.
American heroics were not needed in the Czech Republic where Stefane Jerome (Sigma Olomouc) and former Indiana University player Brian Ackley (FK Příbram) did not figure in the 18 for their clubs’ victories.
Sigma Olomouc had already missed out on European soccer but closed out the season with a 2-1 win over league champions Viktoria Plzen in the final match of the season and a fourth place finish.
Meanwhile, Ackley’s Příbram were safe from relegation heading into the Gambrinus 1. Liga finale and recorded a 2-0 road win at Banik Ostrava which lifted them to a 12th place finish.
