clubs bigger than Benfica and for more money than came in last year's reported offer.
OUTLOOK
The acquisition of Johnson may tip the balance of the Wizards' season into a playoff spot, or even an Eastern Conference title. How the Wizards deal with the loss of up to five starters to national teams playing in the World Cup (four United States, one Trinidad & Tobago) will determine how many points they have at the end of the season. Most of the players coming off the bench will have two years or less of MLS experience.
NEWCOMER WITH THE BIGGEST IMPACT: Eddie Johnson
Johnson should do at least one of two things for the Wizards: score a lot of goals and/or take some of the offensive pressure off Wolff, so that he (and other Wizards attacking players) can score a lot of goals. The defense could benefit as well by being under less pressure.
Robert Whitman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
