The 23-year-old forward joins the Sharks with experience across the USL Championship and MLS NEXT Pro.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (August 19, 2026) — Corpus Christi FC is excited to announce the acquisition of forward EJ Johnson on loan from USL Championship side San Antonio FC.
Johnson joins Corpus Christi as the Sharks enter the final stretch of their inaugural USL League One season. The 23-year-old brings USL Championship experience to the attack, having competed for San Antonio FC, Oakland Roots SC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Charleston Battery.
“We are delighted to bring EJ to Corpus Christi from San Antonio FC,” said Corpus Christi FC Head Coach Eamon Zayed. “Firstly, I want to thank Preston Petri alongside the coaching staff of San Antonio for facilitating this loan move. EJ is a powerful forward with a really interesting background, having played for some top clubs in USL Championship.
“He comes with a hunger and desire to showcase his talent but most importantly, he wants to help the team achieve something special this year. Having been teammates in the past with a few of our players already, that will help him adapt even quicker. He will be a great addition and an absolute pest to USL League One defenses with his constant work rate, athleticism and ability.”
Johnson initially joined San Antonio FC on a 25-day contract in March. He has made six USL Championship appearances, including three starts, this season and scored on his San Antonio debut in the U.S. Open Cup.
Prior to SAFC, Johnson competed with Oakland Roots SC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, recording two goals and one assist in 21 appearances for Pittsburgh in 2024.
Johnson signed his first professional contract with Scottish Premiership side Hibernian FC in 2022 and later spent time on loan with Charleston Battery and FC Edinburgh. He also made 23 appearances for Austin FC II during its 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Cup-winning season.
A native of Fairfield, California, Johnson developed with Sacramento Republic FC Academy and Barça Residency Academy before turning professional.
“EJ is another very promising young player,” said Corpus Christi FC Assistant Coach Manny Iwabuchi. “Having spent most of his career in USL Championship teams, he comes to us with an understanding of what it takes to progress and be successful at a top level. A player profile that stands out due to his versatility and strong physical presence, we feel EJ can add to our attack but give us a different approach when needed as well.
“Most importantly, EJ comes to us with a point to prove. He’s hungry and dedicated to showing everyone what he’s capable of. Having players that have that drive and hunger is important to our locker room as it’ll continue to drive our team to new heights as we make a late-season push. We’re excited to add a player and personality like EJ and we’re sure the fans will see what we’re talking about soon.”
Johnson will be immediately available for CCFC.
About Corpus Christi FC
CCFC was established in 2017 by Dr. Kingsley Okonkwo. The club previously played in USL League Two, the nation’s leading pre-professional league, and won their first Lone Star Division title in 2024. That same year, Corpus Christi was awarded a USL League One franchise and will kick off its first professional season in 2026. CCFC is building a new home at the Corpus Christi Multi-Sport Complex currently being constructed at 5102 Old Brownsville Road. Phase One of the $28.3 million complex was completed in summer 2025 and a 5,000-seat stadium, which will serve as home for all of the Sharks’ USL League One home games, is currently under construction.
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