Know Your Yanks: Eddie Johnson

"I don't play video games. I'm a grown-ass man." With that quote, the legend of GAM (Grown-Ass Man) was born. Eddie Johnson, one of the young stars of the USA, is about to take his grown-ass to Germany, where he hopes to make an impact on the biggest stage in sports.

Eddie Johnson is yet another former U.S. Youth Academy player to get into the U.S. Men's National Team. Only 22 years of age, Johnson is already a veteran of MLS, having made his debut with the Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas) in 2001. In 2004, he tied for the MLS goal-scoring title with Brian Ching (12 goals), becoming the youngest player to lead the league in goals, at age 20. Johnson made his U.S. debut the same year, and totaled seven goals in his first six World Cup qualifiers, endearing him to U.S. fans and securing an established place in the team. A foot injury kept him sidelined for much of 2005, and FC Dallas traded him to the Kansas City Wizards in 2006, not very long after his return from injury.
Johnson possesses outstanding speed, as well as decent size and strength. He plays as an out-and-out striker, using his pace to get by defenders to score goals. Despite his obvious talent, Johnson is known to coast through matches, a trait that has withheld his progress with the Nats to a certain extent. Nevertheless, he remains in contention for a starting spot, and will see plenty of action during the World Cup.

Career Highlights:

2001: Makes pro debut with the Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas; USA, Major League Soccer).

2003: Receives Golden Boot (top goalscorer) at FIFA World Youth Championships.

2004: Ties for MLS goal-scoring title with Brian Ching (12 goals). Makes U.S. Men's National Team debut.

2005: Wins Gold Cup with USA.

2006: Traded to the Kansas City Wizards (USA, Major League Soccer) by FC Dallas for roster allocations.