With Tuesday's training session scheduled for late afternoon, FC Dallas used the change in schedule to watch the live announcement of the U.S. World Cup team just after 5 p.m. CT inside the friendly confines of their locker room.
Sure, the Hoops wanted to see which of their MLS brethren made the roster, but they were also waiting to hear one of their former teammates selected to play in Germany.
Of course, the name they were waiting to hear was that of Eddie Johnson, who played for FCD between 2001 and 2005 and had 25 goals and six assists during his time in Big D.
Several of Johnson's closest friends still play for the Hoops and were excited to say the least for their former teammate. They were part of an echo of cheers that rung throughout the FCD locker room when Eddie's name was announced as one of four forwards on the squad.
"I think it's real big," said defender Chris Gbandi. "Obviously he's worked so hard to get to this stage in his career. I hope he gets a chance to play when he gets there. Just getting named to the team and being so young is a great accomplishment. I hope he can make the most of it when he gets to Germany."
Forward Arturo Alvarez also heaped praise on Johnson.
"I'm really happy Eddie made it," he said. "He worked hard for it and deserves to go. Hopefully he gets a chance over there and makes the most of it. I wish him all the best in the world. Hopefully he'll score some goals for us."
Ramon Nunez, another forward and close friend of Johnson's, was also pleased for him.
"I'm definitely excited about it," he said. "I'm excited for him. I know he's going to do very well at the World Cup. I know he's going to score. So, I'm excited for him."
Goalkeeper Jeff Cassar also passed along his own compliments.
"I'm really happy for him," he said. "He's a good kid. I wish him the best. The U.S. is the team that I'm always pulling for. It's just great to see him on the team. I'm real happy for him and his family."
Hoops head coach Colin Clarke guided Johnson in each of his four seasons in Dallas. For the first three, he was an assistant before being named head coach to start the 2004 season. Like many of his players, Clarke was also happy with Johnson's selection.
"It's no surprise (Johnson making the team)," he said. "Eddie earned that last year with his play and what he did in last year's qualifiers. He's been quiet so far this year. He's still coming back from the injury and finding his way, finding his form. I know when he goes there, he will be right and he'll be ready. I'm looking forward to it."
Clarke also offered some brief thoughts on the makeup of the U.S. team in general.
"There aren't too many major surprises," he said. "I'm sure there are a few disappointed people out there. It's a good, strong roster. They go there with every chance."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
