- May 5, 2024
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Eddie Johnson is back in Florida.
No, it’s not for a Major League Soccer game, it’s because he’s in Miami with the U.S. Men’s National Team, which is currently in camp before its FIFA World Cup qualifier Friday night in Antigua and Barbuda.
The announcement came Monday when coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced the 24-player roster. The games are the final two matches of the semifinal qualifying round. The U.S. controls its own destiny.
Johnson was listed on the pre-roster for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but he didn’t make the final roster. But for the first time in two years, his name was listed as one of the 24.
Johnson will remain on the roster for Friday’s game and for the Oct. 16 game against Guatemala, which will be played in Kansas City.
“It feels good,” Johnson said Monday in a phone interview. He had just finished his first training session after flying across the county Monday afternoon.
After he was told of the call-up, he posted on his Twitter page: “After a long day of traveling I've finally touched down in Miami.#buzzinglikeakidrightnow #usmnt#leggo”
The announcement came less than 24 hours after his Seattle Sounders shut out the Portland Timbers, 3-0, in front of more than 66,000 fans. Johnson scored the second goal in the 28th minute.
But for Johnson, 28, this is the next step of his career revival.
With 15 goals, he’s currently tied for fourth among MLS goal scorers.
“It definitely has been a long time since my last call-up a few years ago, and it feels good,” he said. “When I got the call, it’s a humbling experience ... any time you get to represent your country.”
To stick in camp, Johnson knows what he needs to do: play consistent every day, and do whatever he can on game day.
“I need to show the coach that I can play a part,” he said. “If that means coming in off the bench or making a difference in whatever role ... just having an impact on the game and gelling and complementing other players.”
The only downside of the call-up (although Johnson knows there really isn’t one) is that he won’t be in town for Flagler Palm Coast’s Homecoming game Friday night.
His younger brother, Kyre Smith, is a linebacker for the Bulldogs.
“My little brother is bummed, but he’s happy for me because he knows I’ve been waiting a long time for this opportunity,” Johnson said.
Follow Andrew O'Brien on Twitter @aobrien7.
