Former Rapids Winger Jonathan Lewis Joins League One Barnsley

BARNSLEY, UK – Former Colorado Rapids winger Jonathan Lewis has a new team. On Thursday, EFL League One side Barnsley FC announced they had signed the 27-year-old free agent to a deal through the end of the 2024-2025 season.

JLew came to Colorado in 2019 from New York City FC for $650,000 GAM and an International Roster Slot. Over six seasons, he made 131 appearances all competitions, recording 30 goals and 12 assists. He played mostly as a left winger. He was fast. He was exciting.

His best season was probably 2021 where he was a go-to super sub for Robin Fraser. Made 27 league appearances with nine goal contributions. He was known for his speed but lacked the finishing touch at times. He’d have a month or two where he was hurt. But every year, Jonnie had a two month spell where he’d go off, score a banger, and elevate the team.

I think Rapids fans will remember him positively for how hard he worked and the excitement he tried to give them. He just shot the ball into the stands or right at the goalkeeper too much. Even for his detractors, I think he leaves the club on ok terms. We’ll always have Fraser’s debut game at New York Red Bulls where he scored a brace in a 2-0 win.

Teammates liked him. He had a good sense of humor. He was a good sub, even with the inconsistencies.

Jonnie joins a Reds side who are 10th in the English third tier. They are just six points off the promotion playoffs with 16 games to go. They’re pushing for promotion. They need reinforcements who are creative and fast. Lewis is a good fit for that.

This might be seen as out-of-the-box. There was the rumor Toronto FC were interested with former Rapids manager Robin Fraser getting hired there. He was eligible for MLS free agency. A few years ago, there was a Spanish club supposedly interested in him.

Lewis spent time in the academy setup at Bradford City, who were in League One at the time (currently League Two). They’re less than an hour apart driving. Lewis got used to playing in snow and sun in Colorado. He’ll get re-acclimatized to playing in rain soon enough.

For Rapids fans who haven’t picked Wrexham or Jack Price’s Shrewsbury, here’s another League One team you might want to follow.

Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

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