BOSTON – Aron Jóhannsson joined up with the US men’s national team feeling a little lighter.
Just before departing for the States, the striker picked up his first Bundesliga goal, a spot kick that helped Werder Bremen take a 2-1 result from Borussia Mönchengladbach.
“First strike is always nice to score, especially the first goal to get it off your shoulders,” said Jóhannsson. “It’s important to get that goal in the first couple of games so now there’s no added on pressure to score my first. I’m super happy with my first goal.”
While he did return to the National Team with that weight off of his shoulders, he did endure an early, albeit minor groin injury soon after joining the US.
“During training last week, a couple of days I had a little problem,” said the 24-year-old. “I didn’t really compete or finish 100 percent training until the day before the game. Then it was better and on gameday it was also better. Hopefully now it will feel great.”
Despite the knock, Jóhannsson logged 19 minutes the United States’ 2-1 win over Peru on Friday, subbing on in the 71st minute for Bobby Wood. He didn’t get many touches, but he was able to slot in next to Jozy Altidore up top for his entire time on the pitch, something he says he's become very comfortable with.
“To play with Jozy, especially when he’s in good form, he’s a great striker,” said Johannsson. “When he’s in good form, it’s easy for everybody to play with him.”
Johannsson registered a goal and adding an assist in their 6-0 win over Cuba while sliding into Altidore’s spot as the Toronto FC forward was slow to regain form in returning from a hamstring injury.
After three years with Erdevisie side AZ, Jóhannsson tested the waters as a hot commodity, even receiving interest from MLS, where he recently said he hopes to play in the future, though he admits that, “There was a little bit of talk, but it didn’t go far. Not at this time.”
It went further in Germany, where on August 5th he found his new club. His Bundesliga debut came 10 days later, and now he's opened his account just three games in.
While finding things much different in the top tier German league, Jóhannsson knows that this opportunity is very beneficial to his career not only with his new club, but also with his country.
“It’s been obviously nice to have a new challenge, and new chapter in my life,” the forward told MLSsoccer.com. "It’s also been tough. It’s a little bit tougher league than I’m used to in Holland, so that’s the biggest difference for me. I'm just looking forward to keep on going and keep on playing, keep on improving myself”
