JJ started and seems to be going 90 in this one. It's in extra time, the match was tied 1-1 for most of it until two late goals by the Dons, neither by JJ, sealed the win. I'm trying to figure out if JJ assisted either goal (he didn't assist the first one). Yes he assisted the 2nd Dons goal (game winner): 86mins - GOAL! MK DONS 2 HARTLEPOOL UNITED 1 - DEAN LEWINGTON What a huge contribution from the skipper, but what was he doing getting on the end of that!? Johnson raids past Sweeney on the left for the umpteenth time today before whipping a dangerous low ball into the near post. Lewington has charged forward and stoops to glance the deftest of headers across goal and inside Lee-Barrett's far post. EDIT: The other 2 goals were scored by Canadian Ali Gerba.
I think its time JJ has a look-see at LW or a Nat camp. I know the next one probably won't be until June (when hopefully we are close to bagging qualification). But is something happens to Beasley, do we really think that Convey, Rogers, and Torres are that much of an upgrade over JJ at LW? Really?
Id be very surprised if Bob calls him up before the summer. I dont see any reason why he shouldnt be on the Gold Cup squad though.
Cooper had to play this well for quite some time before he earned a call up. I Johnson can keep this up through the end of the season, he has a chance of at least getting invited to camp before the Gold Cup.
Jemal Johnson is a poor man's Ashley Young. His style of play and production level really reminds me of Young. Have you not been paying attention for the last few months?
When's the last time you saw Convey play in a match? I have a feeling he's not the one being a dick here. To be fair, I'm skeptical like you are, but there's definitely evidence to suggest he has some potential for use with the Nats... even playing at a League One level.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sxuFsx1g9s&feature=PlayList&p=6DD30A65EC3A6924&playnext=1&index=2"]YouTube - jemal johnson[/ame] back at Wolves. http://watchsocceronline.blogspot.com/2009/02/jemal-johnson-highlights-must-see.html 5-3 win over Cheltenham.
I don't recall recently stating that Convey should be called up. What I want to know is that have the people clamoring for this call up have actually been watching these matches or just seeing a few youtube clips and reading some press reports.
Is it really unreasonable to give him a look in camp instead of, say, Chris Rolfe for the umpteenth time? Or maybe ahead of Eddie Lewis, who I love but is getting up there? I mean, when you have the camps, that's kind of the point... seeing who's ready to make a step up. If Convey plays a handful of matches and impresses, I'm sure he'll start getting looks again. With this summers' fixture congestion, it's probably a good idea to consider giving him a look, unless his form really takes a dive. Obviously, the best source for following JJ is match reports and highlights, but they've been unanimously beaming this year. He started as a bit player and has turned into a difference maker. Teams in higher divisions liked his talent or he wouldn't have had so many opportunities in the first and second divisions, but there's been a lot made of issues in his head (don't call me out on this, I'm not saying if it's true or not; just bringing it up). The fact that he's starting to tear up a lower division shouldn't come as that much of a surprise. It should be an 'about time' moment.
I'm not against giving him a look. I'm asking TrueCrew how he formed the opinion that Rogers, Torres, etc....wouldn't be better options. If he has been watching his matches then I respect his opinion. If all his information is coming from press reports and youtube clips of 3rd division matches then it's just a case of people clamoring for the "flavor of the month".
Of course none of us stateside are watching 90 minute streams of MK Dons matches every Saturday...no need to be verbally abusive. But if you pay attention to the match highlights that mattygp has been kind enough to share on multiple occasions this season, it's clear that Jemal Johnson has a level of skill that's rare in our pool. I don't know of many players in our pool that can crack absolute screamers from 30+ yards out with both feet. I don't know a lot of players in our pool who can deftly control a long ball from the back on the wing, play the ball into space with one touch, then lay a beautiful pass on a platter for a striker to place into the back of the net. Yeah, it's League One, which is likely a bit below MLS level, but what i've seen from Jemal Johnson this year is a skill set that I think could potentially translate to the international level (perhaps as part of our B-team). All we're asking for is a look from the national team coaches. A call up for the Gold Cup (where we're likely to play with a B-team) would be ideal.
Here are highlights to back up olephill2. JJ is involved in the creation of the first 2 goals based on his pace and ability to cross the ball. Is he the savior of American soccer? Of course not. But you might as well throw him into the mix and see how he does at the international level. Hopefully we qualify early and have some matches that he can showcase himself in. Highlights of the game: http://watchsocceronline.blogspot.com/
Well I've watched him play in person repeatedly both on television and live.... and he should definitely be in the gold cup squad... He has serious moxy to go with his pace, crossing and shooting-
JJ deserves to be in the gold cup squad. He has earned it. He's like EJ but he can actually score and play for his team. I'd love to see him get called in. He gets called in and then a couple years later JPP will wear the nats uniform. Another pacy forward/winger who knows where the net is.