Direct from Sandy
Party Out Wide: Fabian Johnson Runs the Channel
The Hoffenheim star overlapped and created multiple dangerous opportunities for his team on Tuesday. It was his cross that led to the only United States goal against Honduras.
SANDY, Utah—The striker will receive a lot of credit for the United States’ 1-0 win over Honduras on Tuesday, but the player who assisted him provided his team with the most opportunities all night.
Fabian Johnson’s cutback found Jozy Altidore unmarked in the penalty area in the 73rd minute, after a surging run down the left flank and flick from Graham Zusi. However, it was not Johnson’s first service into the box.
His runs forward caused problems for the Honduran defense. He finished the match with 31 out of 36 successful passes in the attacking half, including three attempted crosses besides his assist.
“I’m trying to be offensive and trying to help the team, and I think that happened very well the last two games,” Johnson said after the match.
Johnson started on the left wing against Panama on June 11, but he found himself outside back against Honduras. For the U.S., Johnson has traditionally played in the back four, but with TSG Hoffenheim in the German Bundesliga, he plays both.
One of two German-Americans in the starting lineup on Tuesday, alongside Jermaine Jones, and one of three in the squad (Terrence Boyd is the other), Johnson has carved out an important role in his first cycle with the national team.
His versatility is part of what makes Johnson so useful, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said in his post-game press conference. With Honduras bunkering on defense, Johnson played the role of provider that the U.S. coaching staff pushes him to play.
“It’s not a coincidence that the goal comes from his side because that’s what we try to push him for, and I think he’s an important weapon in our game,” Klinsmann said.
For his part, Johnson said he does not care where he plays on the left side.
“It makes no difference if you get used to it,” he said.
The 1-0 win sees the U.S. on top of the CONCACAF Hexagonal table heading into the next pair of qualifiers in September. Until then, Johnson’s outlook is positive regarding his team’s chances.
“It was a tough game [against Honduras]. We had to be patient,” Johnson said. “I think we are on our way to Brazil.”
Liviu Bird is a freelance journalist based in Seattle. He is also American Soccer Now’s resident tactical expert. Follow him on Twitter.
