Forward Eddie Johnson returned to training with FC Dallas this week after scoring another goal in a World Cup qualifier on Feb. 9 at Trinidad & Tobago.
Johnson is the first U.S. player to score a goal in his first four matches with the national team, and he already ranks tied third all-time on the men's team for goals in World Cup qualifiers. He now has six goals in four matches. With all of the excitement and news surrounding Johnson, he was just glad to be back home with his FC Dallas teammates.
"I'm excited to be back here with my teammates in Dallas," said Johnson. "I had heard there were several new and great guys on this team and I was pumped to get back here to meet and train with them.
"Also, Dallas is my home and FC Dallas is my team. It's like being gone from your family for a few weeks and then you can't wait to get back to see them."
FC Dallas head coach Colin Clarke and President and General Manager Greg Elliott have continued to say that Johnson has only scratched the surface of what he is capable of doing with his MLS club. Becoming a more consistent player on the field and maturing off the field are two things that he looks to accomplish heading into the 2005 season.
"This season I want to be a guy that can be counted on to score goals for this team," said Johnson. "Along with that, I want to be a leader out there and help my team in any way I can."
When speaking with Johnson at the team's training facility in The Colony, Texas, the 20-year old smiles when asked about his current hot streak. He can't seem to explain it. Similar to when Michael Jordan hit six three-point baskets against the Portland Trailblazers during the 1992 NBA Finals, Eddie Johnson just shrugs his shoulders as if to say, "I'm in the zone."
"Right now is the highest level I have ever played at," said Johnson. "This has to be the hottest I have ever been. It's great being around players like Landon Donovan and Brian McBride and guys like that. I'm still learning and couldn't be in a better environment with both the U.S. team and FC Dallas."
