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MLS D.C. United

D.C. United Signs Forward Eddie Johnson as a Designated Player

March 6, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


Washington, D.C. (March 6, 2014) - D.C. United today announced that the club has extended the 29-year-old forward's current MLS contract and elevated his status to Designated Player. The U.S. International has scored 64 goals in his Major League Soccer (MLS) career, including 23 over the last two seasons with Seattle Sounders FC. Eddie Johnson has also featured in 62 games for the U.S. Men's National Team and recorded 19 goals. Per club and League policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Eddie is an elite striker who is in the prime of his career, and we are thrilled that he has made a commitment to D.C. United," said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. "We look forward to Eddie's contributions on and off the field."

"I want to thank D.C. United for showing faith in me," said Johnson. "I'm extremely proud to wear the Black-and-Red, and I am excited to get the season started with my new teammates"

After signing a Nike Project-40 contract and entering the 2001 MLS SuperDraft, Johnson was selected in the second round, 19th overall, by the Dallas Burn. The Fla., native netted 24 goals over five seasons for Dallas and was traded to the then-Kansas City Wizards in 2006. In 2007, Johnson had a banner season with Kansas City, playing and starting in 24 matches and netting 15 goals. The forward transferred to Fulham F.C. of the English Premier League from 2007-2008. For the 2008-2009 season, Johnson signed a year-long loan with FA Cup finalists Cardiff City, where he made 15 appearances and assisted on two tallies. From 2009-2010, the dynamic forward featured 15 times for Aris FC while on loan with the Greek Super League side. Johnson returned to Craven Cottage in 2010-2011, appearing in 10 matches for Fulham.

Johnson continued his professional career back in MLS, featuring in 28 games (24 starts) for Seattle Sounders FC in 2012. He found the net an impressive 14 times while registering three assists. In 2013, the proven goal-scorer made 21 appearances, starting 20 of them, and netted nine goals on the year.

Continuing to carve out a role for himself with the U.S. Men's National Team, Johnson appeared in 15 matches in 2013 and found the back of the net five times through two of the USMNT's triumphant World Cup Qualifying matches against Panama and Mexico. At last summer's Gold Cup, Johnson tallied in both the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. The former Sounder also scored in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In total, Johnson has made 59 appearances for the senior squad since 2004, netting 19 goals and made the World Cup squad in 2006.

Name: Eddie Johnson

Height: 6'

Weight: 180 lbs

Position: Forward

Birthdate: 03/31/1984

Birthplace: Bunnell, FL

Hometown Palm Coast, FL

Previous Club: Seattle Sounders FC

Acquired: Acquired via trade on December 17, 2013

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