KANSAS CITY, MO - Kansas City Wizards General Manager Curt Johnson announced today the team has acquired FC Dallas and U.S. National Team forward Eddie Johnson in exchange for an allocation. The deal brings one of the brightest young stars in MLS and US Soccer to Kansas City.
"Eddie is the most promising young soccer player in this country,"
said Johnson. "He is a world class athlete who has worked hard in his five seasons as a professional to refine his game and to become an elite player. The attacking duo of Eddie Johnson and Josh Wolff will keep Wizards fans on the edge of their seats. I know I speak for all Wizards fans in saying that I can't wait to see Eddie wearing Wizards Blue at Arrowhead."
Johnson, 21, has spent the last five seasons in Dallas where he has
appeared in 84 career matches, including 54 starts since being drafted as a 16-year-old in the 2nd round (19th overall) of the 2001 MLS SuperDraft. The lightning-fast striker, known for his quick first step and goal scoring, has registered 24 goals and added six assists in his MLS career. In 2004, he scored a League-high 12 goals and became the youngest player in League-history to lead the league in goals scored at just 19 years of age.
"What Eddie brings is a combination of excitement and effect, he plays the game in an attractive fashion," added Head Coach Bob Gansler. "He is blessed with speed and touch, but that leads to goals and wins. He is an impact player. Rather than going abroad and getting an impact player, we felt we could get that here with someone we know very well, who knows this league and should continue to be very effective."
The Palm Coast, Florida native has had a stellar start to his U.S.
National Team career as well, making ten career appearances while scoring eight goals. He burst onto the National Team scene late in 2004 during World Cup Qualifying and made the most of his opportunity. He made his full international debut on October 9, 2004 against El Salvador coming on to play the final 19 minutes and scored his first goal just four minutes into his debut.
Four days later, on October 13th, he secured his place in the record books by recording a hat trick against Panama, despite coming on late in the game and playing the final 25 minutes. It was only the eighth three-goal effort in the 89-year history of U.S. soccer (and the first since 1991) but was the first ever recorded by a player coming into the game as a substitute.
Johnson continued his goal-scoring tear with a goal in each of his
next two appearances, November 17, 2004 vs. Jamaica and February 9, 2005 at Trinidad & Tobago, giving him six goals in his first four appearances with the senior National Team. He went on to score twice more in his next four appearances for his country.
His recent success in Major League Soccer and with the full National
Team follows his accomplishments as one of the most prolific goal scorers in U.S. Youth National Team history. He scored 37 career goals in 51 international youth matches with the U-17, U-20 and U-23 National Teams. He was honored as the 2004 Young Male Athlete of the Year for his breakout performance for both his club and country.
Johnson, recently featured in ESPN The Magazine's annual "Next" edition alongside the likes of Reggie Bush and Michelle Wie, is one of the up and coming sports figures in the United States. He signed a new long term contract with Major League Soccer in 2005 after turning down numerous European transfer offers. Currently, he is training with the U.S. National team in Los Angeles in preparation for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
EDDIE JOHNSON
Position: Forward
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180
Born: March 31, 1985 in Daytona Beach, FL
Hometown: Palm Coast, FL
College: None
Acquired: From FC Dallas in exchange for an allocation, 2/13/06
