Kansas City Wizards forward Eddie Johnson was named Major League Soccer's player of the week on Tuesday.
Johnson had a goal and two assists in Kansas City's 4-2 win over D.C. United on Saturday to earn the Week 2 honour.
Kansas City Wizards' Eddie Johnson, kicks the ball past D.C. United's Devon McTavish, during the second half of a MLS soccer game, Saturday, April 14, 2007, in Washington. The Wizards won 4-2.
(Nick Wass/Associated Press)
Johnson assisted on both of Kansas City's goals in the first eight minutes of its season opener against United, the defending Eastern Conference champion.
D.C. rallied to tie the score in the first half, but Johnson scored just before the break to move Kansas City back in front for good. Johnson controlled a loose ball, dribbled by a defender and fired a shot past United goalie Troy Perkins.
Johnson also played a role in Kansas City's final goal. On a breakaway, Johnson's shot was deflected by Perkins; teammate Scott Sealy buried the rebound.
Johnson had just two goals and one assist for the Wizards last year, missing most of the 2006 MLS season due to his obligations to the U.S. national team during the FIFA World Cup.
In his seventh season in the MLS, Johnson has 27 goals and nine assists. This is his first Player of the Week award.
Johnson joins Real Salt Lake's Jeff Cunningham as Player of the Week winners this season. Cunningham, the 2006 MLS Golden Boot winner, was honoured after the opening week of the season.
Kansas City visits the Chicago Fire on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
