The Safe Hands of Lombard: Riley Johnson Joins the Annies
- 17 hours ago
- 1 min read
DeKalb County United is thrilled to announce the signing of Riley Johnson, known to his teammates as "RJ", for the 2026 season.
A standout Goalkeeper from Lombard and current anchor at the University of Dubuque, Riley brings a veteran presence and an elite resume to the NIU Soccer Stadium this summer.
Riley isn’t just joining a team; he’s joining a community. "I love the culture, the community, and the coaches," Riley says. "I’m especially excited to be playing alongside my college teammates." This chemistry is a massive win for the United defense as we look to build a brick wall at the back for 2026.
"My goalkeeper coach, Stefan Magazin, has had the biggest influence on me," Riley shared. "He helped me pursue my goals of playing at the next level while being like an honorary older brother."
That drive for excellence follows Riley off the pitch as well. If you followed him for a day, you’d likely be surprised by just how much time he spends in the kitchen. He’s currently mastering the art of cooking, challenging himself to try 1-2 new recipes every week. When he isn't saving goals or searing steaks on the grill with friends, he’s fueled by his daily go-to: eggs.
United fans can expect a commanding and passionate presence between the posts this summer. With a history of excellence—including a national ranking of #4 during his sophomore year at North Central College—Riley is ready to lead from the back.
Welcome to the club, RJ!