I don't disagree. I wasn't saying that as an EJ hater. When he returned to MLS, I said that after a run of good form, Klinsmann would be very interested in working with EJ. His career hasn't followed the path that many though it would, but you can't deny his talent. My feeling was that one of the great forwards of all time might feel like he could get more out of Johnson than some of his past coaches.
Commentator in todays Seattle match said EJ was an alternate for the last two Qualifier matches, any truth to that?
Interesting. I fell asleep while watching so didn't hear that part. He's been playing well, but that would imply that he's surpassed Wondolowski.
Eddie Johnson: “It’s been a long road” http://blog.thenewstribune.com/soccer/2012/10/08/johnson-its-been-a-long-road/
Lots of people have criticized him over the years (myself included). However, his country needs him now. I hope he answers the call.
maturity - getting knocked around tends to smooth out the rough edges and makes you focus and appreciate the opportunities. I hope EJ knocks in a few goals against A&B and the Guats.
Not looking to jack this thread, but that little note in U.S. WCQ history being said, kinda made me nostalgic as that '04 second round WCQ was just two Summers removed from our great team, and I stress team, of Japorea'02 glory. 8 years ago to the day a young EJ struck for that hat trick, Jebus life moves quick. My oldest son set next to me on the couch that evening as a little man learning to love our crest. Now he is 18 n outta the house, 'bout to ship off to Camp Pendleton! C'mon EJ, bring us a second WCQ hat trick and ANOTHER 8 years of great memories in life! Ha!
New Answer for U.S. Team May be an Old One: Eddie Johnson http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/10/sports/soccer/us-soccer-team-recalls-eddie-johnson.html
If I remember correctly EJ tallied all 3 in some sort of ridiculous time frame too. BRING BACK THE MAGIC GAM!!!
I think you are on to something, iirc he also found a way to score a "natural" (for lack of a better word) hat trick and a perfect hat trick. This being he scored all 3 consecutively without anyone else in the game scoring to interupt his efforts and once with his right, his left and a header. The so called perfect hat trick.
Not only did he score a hat trick against Panama, he did it after coming on as a sub in the 65th minute. No wonder there was tremendous excitement for him for WC '06 and then angst as he was out injured for a good amount of time leading up to the WC. While he did heal up for WC '06, it was obvious in the few minutes that he played that he was a very raw player albeit with excellent pace. Anyway, 2004 was a different era. US lined up against Panama in a 3-5-2 with Pope, Berhalter and Boca in the back. Hejduk and Beaz as the wingbacks and Donovan, Lewis and Zavagnin rounding out the midfield. Wolff and McBride up top. http://www.11v11.com/matches/usa-v-panama-13-october-2004-253703/ I hope Eddie applies what he learned during his time in Europe and shows his current MLS form with the USMNT. When it comes to USMNT forwards, I say that you can "never say never" about any player given the depth and quality of the pool.
Hadn't seen that video in a while. Well done. So for the record, as we near the 8 year anniversary to the day!...EJ got the natural hat trick in less than 20 minutes, did not do the perfect hat trick as he had two headers n a right footed finish for #3.
I still don't agree with EJ getting another shot at the Nats so soon, but he's more than capable of tearing a hole through these guys. I wouldn't be surprised to see him light it up, but it's playing against other meaningful teams that's the real issue.
haha ... I had forgotten about GAM. will be interesting to see if he gets to play with Dempsey and Bradley - and to see how he might do with service from them.
Got his career back on track, playing EXTREMELY well in MLS (including a great All Star performance), and has a history of ripping up CONCACAF teams. Given injuries and the non-calls for Boyd and Altidore I'd say he's deserving right now.
The bottom line on Eddie Johnson? Jurgen Klinsmann says … http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/...-line-on-eddie-johnson-jurgen-klinsmann-says/
I was at the game when he scored that hat trick. What promise... And it was really weird to see Eddie Pope in that video. Loved me some Eddie Pope. What a player.
I remember watching that game in my dorm room and being equally excited to see gooch score in that game too....oh the memories.
Eddie Pope was one of the 5 best USA players of all time. He was easily the best USA defender of all time. By the way, he played in MLS his whole career-was he a wimp?
At that time Euro (or anywhere else for that matter) had very little respect for American players. Catapult his career to now and he is playing overseas. At least that's what I think.