Two roads converged perfectly when Will Johnson decided it was time for him to return to Major League Soccer.
Johnson was looking for a fresh start and a different direction in his professional soccer career. Real Salt Lake made clear their intention to acquire experienced U.S. players from overseas as part of its efforts to build both a long-term foundation and a short-term jumpstart toward success.
Johnson became the latest piece in that foundation last week when RSL acquired the rights to the 21-year-old forward from Chicago in exchange for conditional SuperDraft picks in 2009 and 2011.
It feels like an ideal match for both parties. Johnson, in particular, is impressed with what he has seen firsthand in Utah.
"Everything here is very professional," Johnson said. "All the guys take it seriously and there's a great atmosphere within the team. They're definitely building something pretty special here."
Joining RSL marks Johnson's first action in MLS since appearing in six games with the Fire in 2005. He scored one career goal while with Chicago, during his first MLS start against Colorado.
At the conclusion of his rookie season, Johnson left for Europe. He transferred to SC Heerenveen of the Dutch Eredivisie, where he spent the past two seasons, including one on loan with another top division Dutch club, De Graafschap.
During his time in the Netherlands, Johnson scored three goals in 39 matches, splitting time at forward, central midfield and as a right-sided midfielder.
The longer he stayed overseas, however, the more Johnson began to feel like his soccer career wasn't moving in a direction he wanted or anticipated.
"I felt the situation I was in was getting a little bit stale," Johnson said.
One thing Johnson brings to his new club is a wealth of international experience. Throughout his professional career, he has spent time with the Canadian under-23 national team. Johnson scored three goals in three matches during their run at the 2008 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament held earlier this spring.
Johnson has made 40 appearances with Canada's U-20, U-23 and senior national teams, scoring seven goals in those matches.
"He's a young player with a lot more experience than most young players have," Real coach Jason Kreis said.
Kreis likes the versatility and energy that Johnson offers RSL. It's no guarantee he'll be an instant starter. But Johnson does have the sort of qualities that lend will help him carve out a bigger role.
"He's a guy that has a great engine," Kreis said. "Gets around the field very well. He should be a guy if we ask him to play midfield, he can do that. If we ask him to play up front, he can do that."
Johnson will likely be on the 18-man gameday roster for Friday's Rocky Mountain Cup clash against Colorado. After a handful of training sessions with the club, he already feels like coming to Utah was the right step to take in furthering his soccer career.
One part of being with Real that Johnson already sees as beneficial is being guided by a staff filled with ex-pro soccer players -- many of whom plied their trade within MLS itself.
He feels like Kreis and his staff offer a different and refreshing perspective.
"You can see it in the training sessions," Johnson said. "They've all played the game, so they know what the guys are feeling and they know what the guys are thinking."
John Coon is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
