Will Johnson

Johnson began his youth career with the Blackburn Rovers youth squad in 2003. Upon his return to North America, he signed his first professional contract with the Chicago Fire ahead of the 2005 MLS season. He made six appearances in his rookie season and scored one goal. Johnson then moved to Dutch Eredivisie (first division) side, SC Heerenveen prior to the 2006-07 season. In his first season, he made 14 appearances. He was later loaned to De Graafschap also of the Dutch Eredivisie for the 2007-08 season, where he made 39 appearances and scored three goals for the club. After two years in Holland, Johnson returned to MLS and signed with Real Salt Lake (RSL) after RSL acquired his rights through a trade with Chicago on August 22, 2008. Johnson spent five seasons with RSL, making a combined 144 appearances with 12 goals and 10 assists in MLS league play, MLS Cup Playoffs and CONCACAF Champions League. Johnson was part of RSL’s 2009 MLS Cup winning side along with RSL’s run to the finals of the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League against Monterrey (Mexico) where RSL fell 3-2 on aggregate. Johnson also won the 2008 MLS Goal of the Year, was named to the 2009 MLS All-Star game and was part of the 2009 Eastern Conference Championship side while with RSL. Johnson was later traded to Portland on December 3, 2012. In 9 seasons in MLS, Johnson has made 208 combined appearances, scoring 27 goals and 16 assists in MLS league play and the MLS Cup Playoffs.