Lost in the shuffle of Chicago’s 3-2 drubbing of the LA Galaxy was the play of rookie goalkeeper Sean Johnson. The 21-year old made his MLS debut against the suddenly struggling Supporter’s Shield leaders and played brilliantly. Johnson made several big saves, both early and late in the match. With such a strong first showing, the question remains: is Johnson the answer in net for Chicago?
What made the University of Central Florida product stand out tonight was his instinctiveness and poise. Despite making his first appearance in MLS league player, Johnson looked every bit a veteran. His only miscue came very late in the match when momentum caused him to carry a handled ball just barely outside the 18-yard box. Both goals Johnson allowed came on Landon Donovan penalty kicks. On the second kick, Johnson guessed correctly, but Donovan’s shot was too fast for Johnson to even get a piece of the ball.
Johnson’s ball control on saves was also a bright point for the youngster. When making saves that would rebound, Johnson pushed the ball either in the direction of Fire players or at such an angle that an immediate rebound was impossible. His counterpart and fellow Jamaican (Johnson holds dual citizenship between the US and Jamaica) Donovan Ricketts has struggled to do the same the last few matches. Ricketts allowed a rebound in the 27th minute Mike Banner smashed home for the Fire’s third goal of the season. It isn’t often that a rookie making his MLS debut outplays the MLS Allstar Game starter, but Sean Johnson did just that this evening.
When Chicago drafted Sean Johnson in the 2010 MLS Superdraft, he was viewed as a project pick, a player that wouldn’t start until at least 2011. Just before the season started, the Fire parted ways with Jon Busch, much to the chagrin of Fire fans. With Andrew Dykstra struggling all season, Johnson’s time table appeared to accelerate. The Fire’s 5-1 loss to Morelia appears to have been the final straw for Dykstra. Johnson has started in every Fire match since the July 14th Superliga loss.
Johnson’s emergence as a dependable MLS keeper makes a massive difference for the Chicago Fire’s playoff hopes. Right now the Fire sit just three points outside of the playoffs with 15matches left to play in the regular season. The Fire will need Johnson to continue his solid form if the Fire want to participate in their twelfth MLS Cup Playoffs in the franchise’s thirteen year history. The Fire’s next match comes on Sunday at Toyota Park against Thierry Henry and Red Bull New York.
Adam Soucie is the author of Soccer, Not Football, a blog focused on the American game. If you’ve liked this piece, check out his other work. If you haven’t liked it, he promises there’s better stuff on his site.