Former St John’s University defender Anthony Herbert has signed his first professional contract with FC Haka of Finland’s top division.

Herbert wrapped his collegiate career this past fall, helping the Red Storm secure its 22nd NCAA Division I Tournament berth.

The Brooklyn, N.Y. product played in 10 matches and made six starts for the Johnnies (11-6-3, 5-3-2). Herbert scored one goal, in the Red Storm’s season-opener against eventual national champion Clemson University

A transfer from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Herbert’s first Red Storm game came last spring. He played in nine of 10 matches, appearing in the Starting XI five times. Herbert was named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll on March 8 after assisting on both of the Red Storm’s goals in a 2-0 home win over the University of Connecticut.

At FDU, Herbert earned a pair of second team All-Northeast Conference selections. As a sophomore, he was selected to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region third team after leading the Knights to an NEC title.

Herbert has played for Trinidad and Tobago at the Under-15, U-17 and U-20 levels. He also suited up for the Red Bulls Academy U17-18 team prior to enrolling at FDU.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.