Malian footballer
Oumar Ballo (born 2 April 1991) is a Malian footballer.
Career
College and amateur
Ballo began his college soccer career at Community College of Baltimore County in 2011, before transferring to University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2012.[1]
Ballo also played in the Premier Development League for Baltimore Bohemians in 2012 and 2013, and Reading United A.C. in 2014.[2][3]
Professional
On January 15, 2015, Ballo was selected in the second round (30th overall) in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by Houston Dynamo and signed a professional contract with the club on February 23, 2015.[4][5]
Ballo signed on loan with United Soccer League side Charleston Battery on March 24, 2015.[6] However, Ballo was waived by Houston on April 23, 2015 without having made a first team appearance for either club.[7] He trialled with D.C. United following his release, but wasn't signed by the Major League Soccer club.[8]
On January 11, 2016, Ballo was signed by United Soccer League side Swope Park Rangers.[9]
On November 30, 2017, Ballo was announced as one of Nashville SC's first signings ahead of their inaugural 2018 United Soccer League season.[10] However, the team later announced that Ballo would not be joining the team due to visa issues.[11]
Ballo spent 2018 with National Premier Soccer League side Northern Virginia United FC, making two regular season appearances and a single play-off appearance for the club.[12]
Personal
Ballo moved to the United States from Mali when he was nine-years-old, settling with his father and step-mother in Baltimore, Maryland. His father's wife at the time, Audrey Haskins, was instrumental in guiding Oumar's education and introduction to soccer in America[13]
References
External links