(October 29, 2007) – Kansas City Wizards and United States international forward Eddie Johnson was named one of three finalists for the 2007 MLS Comeback Player of the Year award Monday by Major League Soccer. After a 2006 season in which Johnson scored two goals and recorded one assist in 19 games, Johnson responded in 2007 by setting career highs in goals (15) and assists (6). Johnson finished among the league leaders in several major categories.
"None of this would have been possible without the help of my teammates every day throughout the season," Johnson said. "In my second year with Kansas City, I have come to have a better understanding of my teammates, and it has been an honor to play with all of them. Our coaching staff also played a vital role in helping me get my confidence back, and I am grateful for their help and support."
Johnson led a high-powered Wizards offense, though he missed six games to national team duty. In 2007, Johnson became the first player in league history to record back-to-back hat tricks (May 26 at New England and June 2 vs. New York). He also finished with a league-high six game-winning goals.
Johnson proved remarkably durable throughout the year while suffering a career-high 57 fouls. Johnson only missed games while representing the United States in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Copa America competitions in June and July. He was one of only nine players to represent the U.S. in both competitions. Overall, he appeared in 10 games for Bob Bradley’s side and scored two goals in 2007.
The other two finalists are forward Pat Noonan of the New England Revolution and defender Frankie Hejduk of the Columbus Crew. The winner will be announced Monday, November 5.
2007 Statistics
GP |
GS |
MIN |
G |
A |
SHT |
SOG |
FC |
FS |
OFF |
CK |
C |
E |
24 |
24 |
2149 |
15 |
6 |
75 |
43 |
21 |
57 |
50 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
Season Rankings
Named 2007 Team MVP and Golden Boot Winner.
Finished 1st on team and 1st in MLS with 6 game-winning goals.
Finished 1st on team and 1st in MLS with 2 hat tricks.
Finished 1st on team and 4th in MLS with career-high 15 goals.
Finished 1st on team and t-3rd in MLS with 3 multi-goal games.
Finished 1st on team and 7th in MLS with career-high 75 shots.
Finished 1st on team and 5th in MLS with career-high 43 shots on goal.
Finished 2nd on team and 7th in MLS with career-high 57 fouls suffered.
Finished 3rd on team with career-high 6 assists.
