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League's Leading Goal Scorer Eddie Johnson Transferred to Portland Timbers

October 19, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Austin Aztex News Release


AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Aztex and Portland Timbers have agreed to transfer Aztex striker Eddie Johnson to the Timbers as they transition to the MLS next season.

In the 2010 season, Johnson not only led the Aztex in goals, but tied Portland's Ryan Pore for the league lead with 15. Johnson added his finally tally in the postseason against Montreal that tied the match at 2 in the second half.

The Chester City, England, native joined the Aztex at the start of the 2009 campaign and is their all-time leading scorer in points (48), goals (20) and assists (8).

"It was a really difficult decision to accept Portland's offer. Eddie has become a firm favorite amongst the Aztex fans and is a leader both on and off the field for our club," Aztex President Phil Rawlins said. "However, in consultation with Coach Adrian Heath, we both agreed that this was a move in Eddie's best interest."

The 25-year old striker has earlier stints on his resume with the English National U16-U20 Teams, Manchester United, Coventry City and Chester City.

"This is a great opportunity for Eddie and his future, and we really couldn't stand in his way," Rawlins said. "Portland is getting a great player who I know has the potential to play at the highest levels. A move like this proves that our model of player development is working and we wish Eddie all the very best."

While with Manchester United at age 17, Johnson saw action in one game -- a 3-2 victory against Leeds in 2003. The Red Devils then loaned Johnson to the Belgian club Royal Antwerp in 2004 where he made 11 appearances, while scoring five goals. Later that year, Johnson went on loan to Championship-side Coventry City for the 2004-05 season to gain valuable first-team experience.

He scored in his Coventry debut, a 2-0 victory against Sunderland and added second goal later that month in a 4-1 defeat of Nottingham Forest.

It was at Coventry City where Johnson first encountered Austin Aztex head coach Adrian Heath, who was an assistant coach at the time.

Johnson and the Aztex closed out the 30-game schedule just one point shy of the USSF D-2 Pro League regular season title, which sent Austin to the franchise's first playoff appearance. Meanwhile, Portland is one of two of the league's teams making a move to the MLS next season, joining the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Montreal Impact will then make the leap in 2012.



U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from October 19, 2010


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