EJ netted another one for the U-20's. 2-0 win over Haiti in game one. Quaranta got the second one off of an Eddie Johnson assist.
Eddie Johnson I was at this game and I was very impressed by his passing and positioning. There were at least four times he had his man beaten in the box only to have to have the final pass go astray or into a defender. But the vision on a few... wow. I was busy thinking, "if only he knew that man was making that run..." when he would turn on his defender pass to the man making the run to space. I was expecting athleticism only, but I saw some very exciting stuff. Excellent runs, tracking back to defend, etc. Very impressive. The best man on the field. Side note... Was Mike Jefferies there? If he wasn't then his doppelganger is loose again.
Johnson outclassed the Haiti defense, total domination. At the beginning of the game I told another guy at the table with me (watched the game via TV at a local DC Restaurant) that Johnson looks unimpressive for long stretches, then BAM BAM BAM, and he's got a hat trick. He's ruthless and a clinical finisher, and while it always seems like a flash here and there, he knows exactly when to turn on the speed, power, leap, and he times his runs well. He creates space and shoots quickly. When Johnson scored, the guy goes, wow, you sure were right, heh. He also got his assist from DC United's Justin Mapp and gave an assist to DC United's Santino Quaranta. Johnson also had another great shot, powerful and perfectly placed, that was saved by the keeper. Johnson did a very nice job in the air as well, but the service was shaky most of the time. I have heard several stories on the Dallas Burn forum about how Johnson's not a team player, but I've never really seen it. In fact, immediately after Johnson scored he kissed the black patch on the US team' sleeve commemorating his recently deceased U-17 teammate Gray Griffin. Mapp, Santino, and everyone on that team seemed to get along just fine with him and him with them. Johnson also played defense and as usual, was quite effective when he did. The entire Haiti team was scared of him by the second half. Everyone got rid of the ball as fast as possible whenever he was around. -Tron
It is a curious thing about the difference in his attitude and hustling. Maybe he just feels more comfortable on the National Team and it will take time with the Burn. I am hoping for a breakout season next year though.
I think part of Johnson's difficulty fitting into the Burn is that he doesn't share much in common with most of his teammates off the field. Many of the players are married with kids; most of the others have been out of college for a couple of years and so I wouldn't be surprised if there're only a couple players on the team whom Johnson really feels comfortable with. And while the self-confident, "I already know all I need to know" air that Eddie carries might serve him well on the U-20 team, I think most of the Burn veterans would prefer to see a more humble, "I respect your accomplishments and would like to learn all I can from you" attitude from him.
First, MLS is a MUCH higher level of play than U20 qualifying and the Haitian defense. Eddie stuggles in MLS games, he glows in U20 matches. you dont have to believe the stories of Eddies attitude problem within the Burn... But I and other are telling you they are there. He is "the man" on the US U20 team, but he is only kid with great potential and an attitude problem on the Dallas Burn. As I have said before, I hope this offseason helps him. peet