Eddie Johnson

[Arelius]

Posted on Tue, Mar. 08, 2005



Soccer gave Johnson escape from projects


Associated Press

FULLERTON, Calif. - Soccer provided Eddie Johnson an escape from the grim realities of the gangs and drugs around him when he was growing up in a housing project.

"A lot of friends on the national team don't really know where I come from," said Johnson, off to a sensational start for the American team. "Back home, it was very easy to get into trouble. I did have some friends who were knuckleheads. But soccer kept me out of trouble."

Since his debut for the United States in October, Johnson has scored six goals in four games, including three as a substitute during a 6-0 rout of Panama. No other U.S. player has scored in his first four games with the national team, and no other American has scored three goals in a game as a substitute.

Johnson, who turns 21 on March 31, has a chance to build on his scoring streak Wednesday night when the United States meets Colombia in an exhibition match. The game at Cal State Fullerton is a tuneup for the U.S. team, which plays a World Cup qualifier later this month in Mexico City .

As one of three children raised by a single mother in Bunnell, Fla., Johnson saw other youths around him drift off into trouble.

His youth and high school coach, Bob Sawyer, played a pivotal role in Johnson's life. When Johnson was 12, Sawyer encouraged his mother to move from Bunnell to Palm Coast.

"He really kept me on the right track," Johnson said. "When my club team would go to tournaments and my mom couldn't afford to give me money, he always took care of me.

"He was more of a father because my dad wasn't there."

Johnson is taking his national team success in stride.

"Everything hasn't hit me yet, and I hope it doesn't hit me," he said. "I just want to keep playing, not worry about what I've done already. There's always the next game."

Johnson's spectacular international debut follows a breakout season in Major League Soccer. In 2004, the hard-charging forward scored 12 goals for Dallas to tie for the league lead.

"Scoring goals is not easy," U.S. coach Bruce Arena said. "Having the strength to run by defenders with and without the ball is essential for a forward, and he has that."

Johnson relies on more than raw talent.

"Sometimes, that's not enough," Arena said. "You have to be mentally fast as well. The fact that his brain is working and allows him to use his speed is a very important part of his success."

Johnson also played football and basketball at Palm Coast's Flagler High School, but committed to soccer while in Europe with the national under-16 team.

"I thought, 'Man, I love this,' " Johnson said. "I love the traveling, the different cultures, meeting new people, getting experience about what it's like in different countries."

Johnson also saw the intense passion for soccer abroad.

"Over there, they eat, breathe and sleep soccer," he said. "Soccer is not big at all where I come from. I never really knew how big soccer was until I started playing on the national (youth) team and traveling to different countries.

"I'd choose soccer any day over football, basketball or any other sport out there."

[StarsOnSunday]

I love stories like this. This is exactly what MLS needs. One of the greatest attractions to U.S. soccer is that, compared to other pro sports, there are very few "thugs". Our sport does not have any Jose Cansecos, Ron Artests, or Randy Mosses. Way to go Eddie! Keep up the good work. You've got a whole nation behind you!

[Rover]

Originally Posted by StarsOnSunday

I love stories like this. This is exactly what MLS needs. One of the greatest attractions to U.S. soccer is that, compared to other pro sports, there are very few "thugs". Our sport does not have any Jose Cansecos, Ron Artests, or Randy Mosses. Way to go Eddie! Keep up the good work. You've got a whole nation behind you!

You must have never seen Danny Pena play. 😉

Actually, you're right. Soccer players are remarkable in that they understand that they are ambassadors for the sport as well as players. This is just as true of MLS players from countries outside the USA. It's so easy to support these guys with the way they carry themselves.

I especially liked this:

Johnson also played football and basketball at Palm Coast's Flagler High School, but committed to soccer while in Europe with the national under-16 team.

"I thought, 'Man, I love this,' " Johnson said. "I love the traveling, the different cultures, meeting new people, getting experience about what it's like in different countries. . . I'd choose soccer any day over football, basketball or any other sport out there."

He said it all.

[SoccerPrime]

An interesting thing about soccer, and Brazil proves this more than any other country, that since it is so easy to learn and inexpensive, its growth in poorer areas is assured.
I live not too far from where Eddie is from and am glad that he has "Arrived".
Good for you Eddie!

[Rover]

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

An interesting thing about soccer, and Brazil proves this more than any other country, that since it is so easy to learn and inexpensive, its growth in poorer areas is assured.
I live not too far from where Eddie is from and am glad that he has "Arrived".
Good for you Eddie!

True. Interesting, though, that his route into soccer was through the school and youth club system. He makes it clear that soccer players are rare where he comes from. I guess the system really can work.

[Czar Jake]

I know a guy who played against Eddie (GAM) in high school. He was all proud that he held Eddie to only one goal that game! haha apparently he was pretty unstoppable in high school.

[clarette]

Originally Posted by Czar Jake

I know a guy who played against Eddie (GAM) in high school. He was all proud that he held Eddie to only one goal that game! haha apparently he was pretty unstoppable in high school.

That reminds me... a guy I used to work with played against Super Cleetus and Josh Wolff back in the day.

How crazy would that be? 😲

[AreliusII]

Benfica offers $4 million for Eddie:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/grant_wahl/03/11/johnson.notransfer/

[Rover]

Originally Posted by AreliusII

Benfica offers $4 million for Eddie:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/grant_wahl/03/11/johnson.notransfer/

Good offer, but I'd like to see Johnson play at least one more season in MLS, keep up the pace with the USMNT in qualifying, and look at transfer next year.

Besides, although Benfica is a storied club (but not living up to it lately) and the money is quite good, he should go to a bigger league. This is coming from an SCP fan and in full acknowledgement of Porto's European success of late.

MLS can't afford to let ALL the young talent get away at once. Keep Johnson and Gaven for another season at least.

[AreliusII]

http://blog.matchnight.com/blogindex.cfm?action=home&commentID=3205