Eddie Johnson stormed his way onto the international scene at a rapid pace in 2006. At 20 years old, he has become one of the most dangerous strikers in the
United States
. He also became the first player to score in his first four matches with the U.S. Men’s National Team this past year during World Cup Qualifying matches.
On top of all that, did you know he used to play for the Kicks?
Our U13 Boys Team had an opportunity to ask Eddie one question each.
Here’s how that interview went:
Eddie, first off, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions from our Kicks Soccer Club’s U13 boys team.
Here are the questions that the players came up with for you:
Jeffrey Michaud: What do you feel are the benefits of playing travel soccer as a kid?
Some of the benefits of playing travel soccer as a kid…you get this feel of what players are like in different states, throughout the
U.S.
For example, like playing in tournaments like the Dallas Cup you get to play against different states and compare yourself. You know where you are and where you need to get, in terms of the competition at your age level.
Evan Greenbaum: What did you do when you were practicing on your own?
Things I used to do as a kid when I practiced on my own were…I watched a lot of soccer, and if there was a particular move that a forward did in my position I would try and do it in practice the next day, really perfect it and add it to my game. As a kid, find a role model that you look up to and really try to play like that person.
Johnny Heiss: Who were your favorite players growing up?
My favorite player growing up was Romario. Watching the ’94 World Cup, he won the Golden Boot as well as
Brazil
winning the World Cup. Being exposed to soccer in ’94 was the first time I’ve ever watched soccer and there is that self joy that seemed overwhelming when I watched him score his goal. I always wanted to be a guy that scored goals like Romario.
Tommy Johnson: What do you feel was the key towards getting where you are today?
The key for me getting to where I am at today is sacrifices. Leaving
Florida
and moving to the residency program at
Bradenton
really made me mature as a kid. As a young teenager and traveling abroad playing against different nationalities at my age really set me up to put myself in a position where I am today.
Jeffrey Dubs: What age did you start playing soccer?
I was 9 years old when I started playing soccer.
Daniel Henderson: How did you feel when you won the National Cup Championship playing travel soccer?
I actually wasn’t a part of the (Kicks) team when they won it, but I was earlier during the year and then that was the year I moved to
Bradenton
. Being a part of that team and growing up playing with those players, it was a great feeling and I can imagine what the feeling would have been like if I was there playing in the actual game.
Andres Galarza: How does it feel playing with star players from around the world?
Playing with stars around the world, it’s good for me. I’m young and it gets to show me where I need to get and where I’m at when I match up against those players.
Michael Henderson: Does Alex Ferguson really want you to play for Manchester United?
Declined to answer at this time.
Ronnie Garcia-Hernandez: When you were young, how often did you train and play?
When I was young, I trained three times a week and I think it’s still that way and when I trained I made the best out of my training.
Gabby Palermo: What was your most memorable goal?
The most memorable goal was my debut against
Guatemala
with the National team. It was my first game and it wasn’t a hard goal, but just to score a goal at the International level at twenty-years-old meant a lot to me.
Ryan Hullihan: When did you start playing for the Kicks?
I started playing for the Kicks under twelves or under thirteens and to me that was the best club team at that time in the nation.
Patrick Rafferty: Other than soccer, what is your favorite sport?
When I’m not playing soccer other sports I like to play are pick-up basketball and I play a lot of golf on my down time.
Jake Weiss: Did you ever have a coach that discouraged you from playing?
No, back where I’m from, everyone was very supportive. Everyone encouraged me to stick with soccer because I was very athletic growing up. I was also, as well as soccer, good at basketball and football. But all the basketball and football coaches told me to stick with soccer because of the early success I was having in it.
Eddie, thanks again for taking the time to answer our questions. It is greatly appreciated by the players and I, as well as all the parents.
