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Justin Meram
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Justin Meram (Arabic: جستن حكمت عزيز ميرام; born December 4, 1988)[4] is an American former professional footballer who played as a winger. Born in the United States, he played for the Iraq national team.
Key Information
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Career
[edit]College and amateur
[edit]Meram attended Eisenhower High School in Michigan, and played for local side Vardar, before going on to play two years of college soccer at Yavapai College in Arizona. Meram was a program standout at Yavapai, leading his team to back-to-back NJCAA National Championships, earning 2008 National Junior College Player of the Year honors, being named a NSCAA and NJCAA All-American, earning ACCAC Conference Player of the Year honors, and being named MVP at both the national and regional tournaments during the 2007 season, while setting a school record for points and finished second all-time in goals and assists.
He transferred to the University of Michigan as a junior in 2009, where he was named to the All-Big Ten second team both years, and to the NSCAA All-GreatLakes Region second team in his senior year in 2010. He finished his college career with 24 goals and 14 assists in 41 games for the Wolverines.
During his college years in Arizona, Meram also played with the Arizona Sahuaros, both in the National Premier Soccer League and in local amateur USASA competitions.[5]
Club career
[edit]Columbus Crew
[edit]On January 14, 2011, Meram was drafted in the first round (15th overall) in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by Columbus Crew.[6] He made his professional debut on February 22, 2011, as a second-half substitute in the first leg of the Crew's CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final series against Real Salt Lake,[7] and made his MLS debut on May 28 as a late substitute in a 3–3 tie with Chivas USA.[8]
Meram made his MLS regular season debut on May 28 against Chivas USA. Meram started and recorded an assist in the Crew's U.S. Open Cup match against Richmond Kickers. Meram appeared in both quarterfinal matches against Real Salt Lake as a substitute in the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League.[citation needed]
In his second season, Meram made 22 appearances and 11 starts to score four goals and record one assist in 960 minutes. Meram recorded goals in three consecutive games during the month of May against FC Dallas, San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders FC. He also scored the game-winner in the 89th minute on September 19.[citation needed]
Meram made 19 appearances split between right midfield, left midfield and forward in his third season with the Black & Gold, recording one goal and one assist. His appearances included eight starts and five substitute appearances at left midfield, one start and three substitute appearances at right midfield and two substitute appearances at forward. He made his season debut against San Jose (March 16) and his first start of the year at right wing in the match at Toronto FC (May 18). In his second straight start at right midfield at New York Red Bulls (May 26), he was awarded a penalty which led to a Federico Higuaín goal. Meram made starts in the right midfield at Philadelphia Union (June 5) and against New York (August 10) but did not travel to the match at Real Salt Lake (August 24) suffering from back spasms. He returned to action with a start at left midfield against Seattle (August 31) and in the next match against Houston Dynamo (September 4) scored his first goal and recorded his first assist—the game-winner—of the season in a start at left midfield in the 2–0 win. In MLS Reserve League action, he made nine starts – five at forward and four in the midfield—scoring one goal and recording one assist. In the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, he made two appearances – including one start at forward—and scored the game-winning goal in the 84th minute in the Third Round win against Dayton Dutch Lions (May 29) after subbing-on.[citation needed]
Meram made 32 appearances—including 19 starts—at midfield as part of a breakout campaign. He scored eight goals and assisted on four others, career-bests in both categories. Meram appeared in the season-opening win at D.C. United (March 8) and recorded his first assist of the season. He was an 89th-minute sub and scored the game-winning goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time at Seattle (March 29). He made his first start of the season at left midfield against New York (April 26) and drew a penalty that led to a Columbus goal. Meram came on as a late-match substitute at New England Revolution (July 26) and assisted on Ethan Finlay's match-winning goal. He scored his third goal of the season in a second-half substitute appearance versus Toronto FC (August 9). He scored the opening goal versus the LA Galaxy (August 16) and added an assist later in the contest. Meram repeated the one-goal, one-assist effort for the second consecutive match in a start versus Houston (August 23). He started in the club's final nine League matches of the regular season, recording his first career brace versus Chivas USA (September 7) and scoring again at Philadelphia (October 11). Meram made his postseason debut and scored his first MLS Cup Playoffs goal in a start versus New England (November 1) -- he started the second leg at New England (November 9) and recorded his first career MLS Cup Playoffs assist. Meram made two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup appearances, including one start in tournament action—he made a substitute appearance in the 2–1 win over Indy Eleven in the Fourth Round (June 17) and started at forward in the Fifth Round at Chicago Fire Soccer Club (June 25). Following the season, he received his first-ever international call-up, making three caps for Iraq at the 22nd Arabian Gulf Cup.[citation needed]
Meram made 31 appearances (28 starts) at left midfield in 2015, scoring six goals and notching five assists. He started the home opener against Toronto FC (March 14) and registered the game-winning goal. He missed the club's match against New York (March 28) while on international duty with the Iraq National Team, but returned with a start at Vancouver Whitecaps FC (April 8), where he recorded his first assist of the season. He scored in consecutive matches following a tally against Philadelphia (April 25). Meram recorded his second assist of the season with a helper on Kei Kamara's second goal vs. Seattle (May 9) and earned his third assist via Kei Kamara's eighth-minute goal vs. Chicago (May 22), which was the 500th-ever home regular-season goal in Black & Gold history. He started the club's international friendly vs. Valencia CF (May 27) and made his 100th appearance in MLS and for Crew with a start at Orlando City SC (May 30). Meram received his second international call-up of the season from the Iraq National Team and earned his 14th cap by starting the team's friendly at Japan (June 11). He recorded assists in back-to-back games for the second time in his career with a helper at Orlando (August 1). Once again, Meram received a call-up by Iraq ahead of two 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, scoring his first international goal against Chinese Taipei (September 3) and his second against Thailand (September 8). He earned an additional call-up and started for Iraq in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at Vietnam (October 8). In the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs, Meram started all five games for Crew, scoring the fastest goal in MLS postseason history (nine seconds) in the First Leg against the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference Championship (November 22). Meram made a substitute appearance in both Crew's 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round contest at Richmond (June 17) and its Round of 16 match at Orlando (June 30).[citation needed]
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Orlando City
[edit]On January 29, 2018, Orlando City acquired midfielder Justin Meram from Columbus Crew in exchange for $1.05 million in allocation money plus a 2019 international roster spot.[9] He made his debut in the season opener against D.C. United on March 4 and scored his first goal for Orlando against Atlanta on May 14. On August 3, after a difficult spell at Orlando, Meram was traded back to Columbus in return for $750,000 in TAM and a 2019 international roster spot.
Atlanta United
[edit]On May 7, 2019, Meram joined defending MLS champions Atlanta United FC for $100,000 in GAM and a 2nd round draft pick. Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra described Meram as a "proven commodity in MLS."[10] On June 29, 2019, Meram scored a brace to help his side to a 2–1 win over the Montreal Impact.[11] His contract option was not renewed at the end of the season.[12]
Real Salt Lake
[edit]On February 11, 2020, Meram signed with Real Salt Lake.[13] In January 2022, Real Salt Lake announced that they extended Meram's contract through the 2023 MLS season.[14]
Charlotte FC
[edit]On April 27, 2023, Charlotte FC announced that they acquired Meram from Real Salt Lake in exchange for $200,000 in general allocation money (GAM).[15] On May 13, 2023, Meram scored his first goals for Charlotte, with a brace in their 3–1 victory over his former club Atlanta United.[16]
Michigan Stars
[edit]Meram joined the Michigan Stars in April 2024, starting in the club's 2–0 win over Minnesota United FC 2 in the second round of the 2024 U.S. Open Cup.[17]
International career
[edit]In 2013, Meram began a two-year process to gain dual citizenship to become eligible to represent Iraq. On September 16, 2013, Iraq coach Hakeem Shaker called up Meram for a training session in preparation for a 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification match against Saudi Arabia.[18]
In October 2014, Meram was called up for a friendly against Yemen but did not attend as his club team, the Crew, were still involved in the 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs.[19] On November 10, 2014, Meram was included in Iraq's final roster ahead of their group stage matches of the 22nd Arabian Gulf Cup.[20] Meram became the first player in Major League Soccer history to be called up by Iraq.[19] When asked in 2014 about representing Iraq internationally, Meram said, "My goal was (to represent) Iraq from day one."[19]
Meram went on to make his international debut, a start in the midfield, in Iraq's opening match of the tournament against Kuwait on November 14, 2014. Meram went on to play the full 90 minutes of the eventual 0–1 loss.[21] In the match, Meram had several chances at goal, including a shot cleared off the line by a Kuwaiti defender just before halftime.[22]
Meram earned his second call-up to participate in training camp and friendlies ahead of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. In December 2014, it was announced that Meram was called into Iraq's camp for four friendlies in the following weeks against Kuwait, Iran, and two against Uzbekistan. At that time, he was also named to Iraq's squad for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup to be held in Australia in January 2015.[23] Meram made his competitive debut as a second-half substitute in Iraq's first match and second match of the tournament, a 1–0 victory over Jordan on January 12, 2015,[24] and a 1–0 loss to Japan. He started the Lions of Mesopotamia's final Group stage match against Palestine (January 20), helping Iraq to a 2–0 win and qualification for the Quarterfinals. Meram started that Quarterfinal match against Iran, playing 45 minutes in a match that Iraq eventually won on penalties 3-3 (7–6). The match represented Meram's 10th cap for Iraq.[23] Meram scored his first goal for Iraq on September 3, 2015, converting a 91st-minute penalty as his side defeated Chinese Taipei 5–1 in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.[25]
On October 18, 2021, Meram announced his retirement from international soccer.[26] However, on March 19, 2022, he was recalled for matches against Syria and the United Arab Emirates.
Personal life
[edit]Justin was the youngest of Hikmat "Sam" Aziz Meram and Lamia Mansour Hormis' four sons. He and his parents are ethnic Assyrians[27][28] from the Tel Keppe District of Mosul. Their religious background is Chaldean Catholic.[27][28] His parents immigrated to the United States and met in the Detroit area. Justin's father came to the United States in 1967 while his mother arrived in 1975. Meram's Iraqi passport lists his name as Justin Hikmat Aziz (with his first name, father's name, and the name of his grandfather), following local naming conventions.[29][better source needed]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]| Club | Season | League | Playoffs | National cup | Continental | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Columbus Crew | 2011 | MLS | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 20 | 0 |
| 2012 | 22 | 4 | – | 1 | 0 | – | 23 | 4 | ||||
| 2013 | 19 | 1 | – | 2 | 1 | – | 21 | 2 | ||||
| 2014 | 32 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | – | 36 | 9 | |||
| 2015 | 31 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | – | 38 | 7 | |||
| 2016 | 33 | 5 | – | 2 | 1 | – | 35 | 6 | ||||
| 2017 | 34 | 13 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 40 | 14 | |||
| Total | 188 | 37 | 12 | 3 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 213 | 42 | ||
| Orlando City SC | 2018 | MLS | 17 | 1 | – | 1 | 1 | – | 18 | 2 | ||
| Columbus Crew | 2018 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 12 | 1 | ||
| 2019 | 9 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | – | 9 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 18 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 1 | ||
| Atlanta United FC | 2019 | MLS | 20 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1[a] | 0 | 27 | 4 |
| Real Salt Lake | 2020 | 21 | 3 | 1[b] | 0 | – | – | 22 | 3 | |||
| 2021 | 31 | 2 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 31 | 2 | ||||
| 2022 | 33 | 3 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 33 | 3 | ||||
| Career total | 328 | 51 | 17 | 3 | 17 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 365 | 57 | ||
- ^ Includes 1 appearance in the Campeones Cup
- ^ Includes 1 appearance in the MLS Is Back Tournament knockout round
International
[edit]- As of March 28, 2022[32]
| Iraq | ||
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 5 | 0 |
| 2015 | 12 | 2 |
| 2016 | 5 | 0 |
| 2017 | 3 | 1 |
| 2018 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019 | 4 | 1 |
| 2021 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 36 | 4 |
- Scores and results list Iraq's goal tally first.[32]
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | September 3, 2015 | PAS Stadium, Tehran, Iran |  Chinese Taipei |
5–1 |
5–1 |
2018 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 2. | September 8, 2015 | Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand |  Thailand |
1–0 |
2–2
| |
| 3. | August 31, 2017 | 1–0 |
2–1 |
2018 FIFA World Cup qualification | ||
| 4. | March 20, 2019 | Basra Sports City, Basra, Iraq |  Syria |
1–0 | 1–0 | 2019 International Friendship Championship |
Honors
[edit]Atlanta United
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Crew SC Profile". Columbus Crew SC. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
- ^ "Gulf Cup Profile (English)". gulfcup.sa/en. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
- ^ "Justin Meram". Real Salt Lake. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
- ^ "Gulf Cup Profile (Arabic)". gulfcup.sa. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
- ^ "Meet the Arizona Sahuaros, Professional Soccer Team Members". Azsahuaros.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2016. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
- ^ "Michigan's Justin Meram drafted by the MLS' Columbus Crew". Retrieved January 29, 2018.
- ^ "Crew, RSL finish scoreless in testy CCL opener". February 22, 2011. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
- ^ "Columbus Crew vs Chivas USA 05-28-2011 - Recap". MLSsoccer.com. May 28, 2011. Archived from the original on March 6, 2014. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
- ^ "Orlando City SC Acquires Justin Meram from Columbus Crew SC". January 29, 2018.
- ^ "Atlanta acquires midfielder Justin Meram from Columbus". USA Today. Archived from the original on June 30, 2019. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
- ^ "Meram has vintage night in leading Atlanta United to a win". Retrieved June 30, 2019.
- ^ Patrick, Joe (January 6, 2020). "Justin Meram says goodbye to Atlanta United". Dirty South Soccer. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
- ^ "Real Salt Lake Signs Forward Justin Meram". Real Salt Lake. February 11, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
- ^ "Justin Meram re-signs with Real Salt Lake through 2023". January 10, 2022.
- ^ "Charlotte FC Acquires Forward Justin Meram from Real Salt Lake in Exchange for $200,000 General Allocation Money". April 27, 2023.
- ^ "A Brace and Team of the Matchday - Justin Meram". May 13, 2023.
- ^ Marthaler, Jon (April 3, 2024). "2024 US Open Cup Round 2: With strong defense, retired MLS player, Michigan Stars outlast MNUFC2 in OT". TheCup.us. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
- ^ حكيم شاكر يوجه الدعوة للمحترف في الدوري الامريكي جوستن ميرام ويؤكد التحاق قاسم بتركيا [Justin Meran callup] (in Arabic). Iraqfpg.com. September 16, 2013. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
- ^ a b c Jardy, Adam. "Soccer: Crew's Justin Meram called up to Iraqi national team". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "Columbus Crew forward Justin Meram named in Iraq Squad for Gulf Cup". Fox Soccer.
- ^ "Iraq vs. Kuwait". gulfcup.sa. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
- ^ Schwepfinger, Ryan. "Meram earns first cap in start for Iraq". Columbus Crew SC. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
- ^ a b "Columbus Crew SC winger Justin Meram named to Iraq roster ahead of 2015 Asian Cup". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on December 29, 2014. Retrieved December 17, 2014.
- ^ "Columbus Crew SC's Justin Meram comes off bench to help Iraq beat Jordan in Asian Cup". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on January 14, 2015. Retrieved January 12, 2015.
- ^ "International Roundup: Justin Meram scores in Iraq win, AJ DeLaGarza and Guam lose at Iran". Major League Soccer. Retrieved September 4, 2015.[dead link]
- ^ Butler, Dylan. "MLS veteran Justin Meram retires from international soccer with Iraq". MLS. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
- ^ a b "Assyriska and What It Means to a Proud Community". February 15, 2016. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
It is extremely important to represent my Assyrian background.
- ^ a b Kay, Bryan (February 22, 2016). "'It was always my No1 choice': Justin Meram, the US-born Christian playing for Iraq". The Guardian. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
Right now, he is the lone Christian in the ranks, flying the flag for Iraq's Chaldeans, an ancient Assyrian people who have called the region home since long before the time of Jesus.
- ^ Mubarak, Hassanin (November 12, 2014). "JUSTIN MERAM: THE MOST FAMOUS JUSTIN IN IRAQ". iraqsport.wordpress.com. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
- ^ Justin Meram at Major League Soccer
- ^ Justin Meram at Soccerway
- ^ a b Justin Meram at National-Football-Teams.com
External links
[edit]- Justin Meram at Major League Soccer
- Justin Meram at Soccerway
- Justin Meram at Michigan
- Official website
Justin Meram
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Family background
Justin Meram was born on December 4, 1988, in Shelby Township, Michigan, United States.[7] He is of Assyrian ethnic heritage, specifically from the Chaldean Catholic community, with both parents originating from the Tel Keppe District near Mosul in northern Iraq.[8][9] Meram's father, Hikmat Aziz Meram, immigrated from Iraq to the United States in 1967, while his mother, Lamia Mansour Hormis, followed in 1975, fleeing political instability in the region.[8][9] This family history profoundly shaped Meram's cultural identity.[2][8]College and amateur career
Meram attended Utica Eisenhower High School in Michigan, where he was a four-year varsity soccer player and served as captain during his junior and senior years.[10][11] Meram began his collegiate soccer career at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona, from 2007 to 2008, where he started all 52 matches and tallied 51 goals along with 30 assists.[7] His exceptional performance helped lead the team to back-to-back NJCAA National Championships in 2007 and 2008, earning him the 2008 National Junior College Player of the Year award as well as NSCAA/NJCAA All-American honors.[7][12] During his time at Yavapai, Meram also gained amateur experience with the Arizona Sahuaros, a local club team, from 2007 to 2008. Following his success at the junior college level, Meram transferred to the University of Michigan for the 2009 and 2010 seasons, to return to his home state.[13] At Michigan, he started 40 of 41 matches, scoring 24 goals and providing 13 assists while earning back-to-back Second Team All-Big Ten honors.[14][15] Meram's standout collegiate achievements culminated in his selection as the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew on January 14, 2011.[7][1]Club career
Columbus Crew (2011–2019)
Justin Meram was selected 15th overall in the first round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew out of the University of Michigan.[7] He signed with the club on February 17, 2011, and made his professional debut later that season, appearing in 17 MLS matches with 4 starts, primarily as a substitute, while recording 1 assist.[16] In his rookie year, Meram provided his first professional assist on June 4 against the Portland Timbers and another on June 18 versus Sporting Kansas City.[7] Meram scored his first MLS goal in his sophomore season on May 26, 2012, as a substitute against FC Dallas.[17] Over the next few years, he gradually earned more playing time, transitioning from a rotational player to a regular starter by 2014. During his full tenure with Columbus from 2011 to 2017, Meram made 188 MLS appearances, scoring 37 goals and providing 26 assists, establishing himself as a versatile winger and attacking midfielder.[5] His standout 2014 season saw him feature in 32 matches with 19 starts, tallying 8 goals and 4 assists, which helped the Crew reach the MLS Cup Playoffs.[5] One of Meram's most memorable contributions came in the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs, where he scored the fastest goal in postseason history—nine seconds into the Eastern Conference Championship first leg against the New York Red Bulls on November 22—securing a 1-0 victory for Columbus.[18] This moment underscored his speed and opportunism in the attacking third, contributing to the Crew's run to the MLS Cup final that year. Meram's overall play during his initial stint bolstered the team's midfield dynamism and offensive output, with consistent performances in subsequent seasons, including 13 goals in 2017.[5] In January 2018, Meram was traded to Orlando City SC for $1.05 million in allocation money and an international roster spot.[19] However, on August 3, 2018, he was reacquired by Columbus in exchange for $750,000 in targeted allocation money and a 2019 international roster spot.[20] Post-return, Meram made 9 appearances with 7 starts for the Crew, scoring 1 goal but struggling for consistent minutes amid the team's push toward the playoffs.[5] In 2019, prior to being traded, Meram made 9 appearances (4 starts) with no goals or assists.[5] Throughout his time with Columbus from 2011 to 2019, Meram played a pivotal role in the club's attacking setup, combining technical skill and work rate to support forward lines and create scoring opportunities.[1]Orlando City and Columbus return (2018)
On January 29, 2018, Orlando City SC acquired forward Justin Meram from Columbus Crew SC in a trade that sent $1.05 million in allocation money—comprising $750,000 in targeted allocation money ($300,000 payable in 2018 and $450,000 in 2019) and $300,000 in general allocation money—along with an international roster spot to Columbus.[19] The move was part of Orlando's offseason efforts to strengthen its attacking options amid high expectations for Meram, who had established himself as a prolific scorer during his prior tenure with Columbus.[4] During the 2018 MLS regular season with Orlando City, Meram made 17 appearances, including 14 starts, while logging 1,273 minutes on the pitch; he recorded one goal and two assists in that span.[7] Despite early promise, including contributions during Orlando's six-game winning streak in April and May, his overall output fell short of expectations, as the team struggled offensively and finished the season with a league-worst 27 goals scored.[21] Meram faced significant adaptation challenges, including difficulty integrating into the team's system and dealing with intense fan criticism that escalated after a goalless start to his Lions tenure, culminating in abusive messages that left him feeling isolated and fearful at times.[22][21] These struggles strained team dynamics, as Meram's underperformance highlighted broader issues in Orlando's forward line and contributed to a toxic atmosphere that affected morale; he publicly addressed the fan backlash in June 2018, emphasizing the need for support over vitriol while acknowledging the passion of the supporter base.[22] Ultimately, Meram requested a trade in July, leading to his return to Columbus Crew SC on August 3, 2018, in exchange for $750,000 in targeted allocation money and a 2019 international roster spot for Orlando.[20][23] This back-and-forth transaction marked a turbulent chapter for Meram, underscoring the volatility of midseason moves in MLS while allowing Orlando to recoup resources for roster adjustments.[21]Atlanta United (2019)
On May 7, 2019, Atlanta United acquired midfielder Justin Meram from Columbus Crew SC in exchange for $100,000 in general allocation money and a conditional 2020 second-round MLS SuperDraft pick, bolstering the team's attacking options during the MLS secondary transfer window.[24] The 30-year-old winger brought versatility and experience to the defending MLS Cup champions, who were navigating a transitional season under new head coach Frank de Boer.[25] Meram quickly integrated into the squad, providing depth on the wings and contributing to Atlanta's high-pressing style amid a competitive Eastern Conference race.[26] In his lone season with Atlanta, Meram appeared in 20 MLS regular-season matches, starting 14 and logging 1,265 minutes while scoring 4 goals with no assists.[5] His most impactful outing came on June 29, 2019, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where he netted a brace—including the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute—to secure a 2-1 comeback victory over CF Montréal, helping Atlanta climb the standings during a crucial midseason stretch.[27] These contributions added firepower to an attack that featured stars like Josef Martínez and Miguel Almirón's successor Ezequiel Barco, aiding the team's push toward a fifth-place finish in the Eastern Conference with 56 points. Meram also made a substitute appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs, entering in the first round as Atlanta faced Philadelphia Union, though the Five Stripes were eliminated in a best-of-three series.[28] Following the 2019 season, Atlanta United declined to exercise Meram's contract option on November 21, along with those of four other players, as part of a roster re-tooling effort ahead of 2020.[29] This decision ended his brief tenure with the club, where he had provided timely scoring punch during a playoff-qualifying campaign marred by injuries and inconsistencies. Meram subsequently entered free agency, reflecting on the move as a fresh start after personal and professional challenges in prior years.[30]Real Salt Lake (2020–2023)
On February 11, 2020, Real Salt Lake signed Justin Meram as a free agent to bolster the team's attacking depth ahead of the season.[31][32] Meram's debut season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led Major League Soccer to suspend play and resume with the MLS is Back Tournament in a centralized bubble at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida. Real Salt Lake competed in the Western Conference Group B, where Meram made four appearances, including starts in the group stage matches against Orlando City SC (1-1 draw on July 18) and Sporting Kansas City (0-1 loss on July 22), contributing to the team's defensive resilience despite failing to advance from the group with a 0-1-2 record.[28][33] In the ensuing Western Conference regular season and playoffs, he adapted quickly to the condensed schedule, logging 21 regular-season appearances with 13 starts, 3 goals, and 3 assists, while providing versatility on the wings and veteran leadership during Real Salt Lake's fourth-place finish in the West and first-round playoff exit to Sporting Kansas City.[34][35] Over the next two seasons, Meram established himself as a consistent rotational player, appearing in 64 regular-season matches (42 starts) with 5 goals and 11 assists, helping Real Salt Lake reach the playoffs in 2021 (Western Conference Final) and 2022 (first round).[34] His multi-faceted role included defensive pressing and set-piece contributions, enhancing team integration amid roster transitions. In total across 2020–2023, Meram made 91 MLS regular-season appearances for Real Salt Lake, scoring 8 goals and providing 15 assists.[34] On January 10, 2022, Real Salt Lake announced a two-year contract extension for Meram through the 2023 season, recognizing his reliability and positive influence on the squad.[36][37]Charlotte FC (2023)
On April 27, 2023, Charlotte FC acquired forward Justin Meram from Real Salt Lake in exchange for $200,000 in general allocation money, as Meram entered the final year of his contract with the Western Conference club.[38][39][40] Meram quickly integrated into Charlotte's squad, appearing in 25 MLS regular-season matches with 13 starts, logging 1,328 minutes, and contributing 4 goals and 4 assists.[34] His scoring output provided crucial offensive depth for the expansion franchise in its second MLS season, helping stabilize the attack amid roster adjustments.[34][5] A standout moment came on May 13, 2023, when Meram scored a brace—his first goals for Charlotte—in a 3–1 road win over Atlanta United FC, netting in the 18th and 57th minutes to secure the victory and earn MLS Team of the Matchday honors.[41][42][43] The performance highlighted his veteran poise and finishing ability, bolstering Charlotte's midseason form as they clinched an Eastern Conference playoff spot.[34]Post-MLS clubs (2024–2025)
After departing Major League Soccer following a brief stint with Charlotte FC, Justin Meram signed with [Michigan Stars FC](/page/Michigan Stars_FC) of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) in April 2024 as a free agent.[44] He made his debut for the club in the U.S. Open Cup, starting in a 2–0 victory over Minnesota United FC 2 on April 3, 2024, where the team advanced after extra time thanks to a strong defensive performance.[45] Meram appeared in two total matches for Michigan Stars that year, both in the U.S. Open Cup, without recording a goal or assist, and did not feature in league play.[28] In early 2025, Meram joined Des Moines Menace of the USL League Two ahead of the U.S. Open Cup, signing as part of a star-studded amateur roster that included several former MLS players.[46] He made one appearance for the Menace in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, again without contributing goals or assists, and had no recorded league outings.[28][44] These limited engagements marked a significant step down from his 13-year MLS career, where he amassed over 200 appearances and 39 goals across multiple clubs.[1] Meram's playing time dwindled further after the 2025 Open Cup, and he announced his retirement from professional soccer in January 2025, at age 36.[6] The move reflected a gradual wind-down, transitioning from high-level competition to occasional lower-division cameos that allowed him to stay connected to the sport without full-time commitment. Post-retirement, Meram has shifted focus to entrepreneurial ventures, leveraging his soccer background for business development and initiatives promoting the growth of the game, including speaking engagements at MLS entrepreneurial seminars.[47][48] This phase underscores his preparation for life beyond the pitch, emphasizing education and peer guidance on financial and career planning in professional sports.[49]International career
Debut and early years (2014–2015)
Born in the United States to Iraqi parents from the Chaldean Christian community, Justin Meram pursued eligibility to represent Iraq internationally, leveraging his heritage despite having played youth soccer for the U.S. under-18 and under-20 teams.[9][50] He initiated a two-year process to obtain Iraqi dual citizenship in 2013, which FIFA approved in 2014, allowing the switch since he had not earned senior caps for the U.S. national team.[51][52] Meram made his international debut on November 14, 2014, starting in midfield for Iraq against Kuwait in the opening match of the Gulf Cup of Nations, where he played the full 90 minutes in a 0–1 loss.[53][54] He earned three caps during the tournament, marking his initial contributions to the Lions of Mesopotamia. His strong form with the Columbus Crew that season had positioned him for this breakthrough call-up.[55] In January 2015, Meram featured in Iraq's campaign at the AFC Asian Cup in Australia, coming off the bench for his tournament debut in a 1–0 group-stage victory over Jordan on January 12.[56] Iraq advanced to the quarterfinals with a 2–1 win over Palestine, where Meram appeared as a substitute, before falling 2–0 to hosts Australia; he accumulated three caps across the competition, as a substitute against Jordan and Japan and a starter against Palestine.[57][58] Meram's early international momentum continued into 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, where he scored his first goal for Iraq on September 3, 2015, converting a 91st-minute penalty in a 5–1 home win over Chinese Taipei.[59][7] Five days later, he netted his second international goal in a 2–2 away draw against Thailand, helping Iraq secure second place in their group and advancement to the next qualifying round; by late 2015, these efforts contributed to his 10th cap overall.[60][61][1]Later career and retirement (2016–2022)
Meram continued his international tenure with Iraq through the remainder of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, participating in several third-round matches during 2016 and 2017, where he contributed to the team's efforts despite their ultimate elimination from the tournament.[1] In these qualifiers, he scored a notable goal against Thailand on August 31, 2017, opening the scoring in a 2-1 victory that highlighted Iraq's competitive edge in Asian football.[62] His involvement extended into subsequent cycles, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers starting in 2019, where he made appearances against teams like Bahrain and Iran, accumulating additional caps while balancing his club commitments in Major League Soccer.[63] Over the period from 2016 to 2022, Meram earned a total of 36 caps for Iraq, scoring 4 goals in his international career, with two of those coming during this later phase: one against Thailand in 2017 and another in a 1-0 win over Syria on March 20, 2019, during a friendly that underscored his ongoing value to the squad.[64] However, frustrations with internal federation issues, including perceived favoritism and corruption, led Meram to announce his retirement from international duty on October 18, 2021, via social media and an interview, ending what he described as a seven-year journey representing his heritage.[65] This decision came amid his transitions between MLS clubs, such as moves to Atlanta United and Real Salt Lake, where he reflected on the profound personal significance of donning the Iraqi jersey as a way to honor his family's roots and cultural identity, despite the logistical challenges of international call-ups.[2][66] Meram's retirement proved short-lived; following the appointment of a new coach, he accepted a recall to the national team on March 19, 2022, for crucial 2022 World Cup qualifiers against the United Arab Emirates and Syria.[67] He substituted into the match against Syria on March 29, 2022, marking his final international appearance in a 1-1 draw that confirmed Iraq's elimination from the tournament.[68] With no further call-ups after this, Meram's international career concluded, aligning with a decline in his MLS prominence as he navigated later club moves and eventual retirement from professional soccer in 2025.[1]Personal life
Ethnic and religious background
Justin Meram is of Assyrian ethnicity, specifically Chaldean, with roots tracing back to the Tel Keppe district near Mosul in Iraq's Nineveh Plains, a historic homeland for the Assyrian people.[9] His parents hail from this region, part of the broader Assyrian diaspora that fled persecution and conflict in Iraq, contributing to communities in the United States, particularly in Michigan.[8] Meram's religious background is Chaldean Catholic, a branch of the Catholic Church in full communion with Rome that maintains ancient Syriac liturgical traditions and forms a key part of Assyrian Christian identity.[2] This faith underscores his cultural heritage, as Chaldeans represent an indigenous Assyrian group native to northern Iraq, often facing marginalization amid regional instability.[9] Raised in a Chaldean enclave in Shelby Township, Michigan, Meram was immersed in this tradition from a young age, fostering a strong connection to his ancestral identity despite being born in the United States.[9] Meram's Chaldean Assyrian heritage profoundly shaped his decision to represent Iraq internationally rather than the United States, a choice he described as his "No. 1" priority to honor his parents' roots and bring pride to his community.[9] In public statements, he has highlighted the isolating yet respected role of being the sole Christian on the Iraqi national team, noting, "I’m isolated but they respect me and my culture."[9] He has also expressed sorrow over threats to Iraqi Christians, stating, "This is a sad moment in the lives of many Christian Iraqis," in reference to ISIS's impact on his ancestral homeland.[9] Additionally, Meram recalled his mother's concerns about the vulnerabilities of his faith in a post-9/11 context, warning him against traveling to Iraq due to safety risks and fearing he would be a target as a Chaldean Catholic and American, telling him, “You can’t go… It will be too dangerous.”[2]Family
Meram is the youngest of four sons born to Iraqi immigrant parents, Hikmat "Sam" Aziz Meram and Lamia Mansour Hormis, who settled in Michigan after arriving in the United States in 1967 and 1975, respectively.[8] His father established a construction business in the Detroit suburbs, where the family lived in Shelby Township and provided a stable environment that fostered Meram's early interest in soccer through backyard play.[12] The family relocated the business to Prescott, Arizona, in 2007, a move that Meram followed after high school, briefly joining his brothers in the trade before pursuing professional soccer.[2] Meram's three older brothers, Francis, Irvin, and Jason, worked in the family construction business and offered indirect support for his athletic pursuits, such as training sessions together during his formative years.[2][8] Throughout his career, his parents provided unwavering emotional backing, expressing pride in his achievements—often tearfully watching his international matches—while voicing concerns over the safety risks of traveling to Iraq.[2] This familial foundation, rooted in respect for parental guidance, significantly shaped his personal development and resilience.[2] Meram married Maxine Goryoka in May 2020. As of April 2023, they had two children with a third on the way.[69]Career statistics
Club
Meram's professional club career featured extensive play in Major League Soccer and lower divisions, accumulating 359 regular-season appearances with 55 goals and 47 assists in MLS as of his retirement effective July 1, 2025.[5] His early career included reserve and second-division matches, while later years saw limited lower-league involvement. The table below provides a seasonal breakdown of league appearances, goals, and assists.[5][70]| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Columbus Crew Reserves | MLS Reserve League | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| 2011 | Columbus Crew | MLS | 17 | 0 | 1 |
| 2012 | Columbus Crew | USL Pro | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| 2012 | Columbus Crew | MLS | 22 | 4 | 1 |
| 2013 | Columbus Crew | MLS | 19 | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 | Columbus Crew | MLS | 32 | 8 | 4 |
| 2015 | Columbus Crew | MLS | 31 | 6 | 4 |
| 2016 | Columbus Crew | MLS | 33 | 5 | 10 |
| 2017 | Columbus Crew | MLS | 34 | 13 | 5 |
| 2018 | Orlando City SC | MLS | 17 | 1 | 2 |
| 2018 | Columbus Crew | MLS | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | Columbus Crew | MLS | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | Atlanta United FC | MLS | 20 | 4 | 0 |
| 2020 | Real Salt Lake | MLS | 21 | 3 | 3 |
| 2021 | Real Salt Lake | MLS | 31 | 2 | 5 |
| 2022 | Real Salt Lake | MLS | 33 | 3 | 6 |
| 2023 | Real Salt Lake | MLS | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | Charlotte FC | MLS | 25 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | Michigan Stars FC | NISA | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Des Moines Menace | USL League Two | 0 | 0 | 0 |
International
Meram earned 36 caps for the Iraq national team across all competitions, scoring 4 goals during his international tenure from 2014 to 2022.[7][71] His appearances spanned World Cup qualifiers (12 caps, 3 goals), the 2015 AFC Asian Cup (5 caps, 0 goals), and friendlies (17 caps, 1 goal), along with other tournaments like the 2014 Gulf Cup of Nations. No further international activity has occurred since Iraq's exit from 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying in March 2022.[68] The following table details select appearances, including his debut and all goal-scoring matches, representative of his contributions across competitions:| Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 14, 2014 | Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE | Kuwait | 0–1 | Loss | 2014 Gulf Cup of Nations |
| September 3, 2015 | PAS Stadium, Tehran, Iran | Chinese Taipei | 5–1 | Win | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| September 8, 2015 | Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand | Thailand | 2–2 | Draw | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| August 31, 2017 | Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand | Thailand | 1–2 | Win | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| March 20, 2019 | Basra Sports City, Basra, Iraq | Syria | 1–0 | Win | International Friendship Championship |