Sean Johnson's going back to England for another training stint this offseason.
The Chicago Fire, who missed the playoffs this year, announced on Tuesday that Johnson is soon set to join English Premier League club Hull City AFC for a few days of training. The stint will begin on Oct. 30 and conclude on Nov. 9, and is the fourth time in as many years that the 25-year-old goalkeeper will go overseas to hone his skills further.
“This is a good chance for Sean to continue to train in a Premiership environment during the offseason,” said Chicago Fire head coach Frank Yallop in a statement released by the club. “He’s had similar training experiences in the past as a result of the relationships that we have abroad, and it’s a good opportunity for him to stay sharp as we turn our sights to the 2015 season.”
Johnson, who has been capped four times for the US national team, has previously had stints with Norwich City in 2013, Everton and Stoke City in 2012, and again with Everton in 2011. Hull City, who have previously employed fellow Americans Brad Guzan and Jozy Altidore, are in 10th place in the Premiership.
Johnson, a fifth-year goalkeeper enjoyed a strong campaign for the 6-10-18 Fire this year, and was recently named the club's 2014 MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.
- Get more Chicago Fire news at Chicago-Fire.com
“Going to Hull City will be a fantastic training opportunity,” said Johnson, who made 96 saves and had six shutouts this season. “Going over every year has proven great for me. As a player, to get better every single day, to develop, to play at that level, to see how it’s done day-in, day-out is great for myself.
"I think to get over there and showcase what you have can only do yourself good. Going right over there at the end of the season is going to be great as I’m not missing a beat.”
