May 20, 2010
By Andrew Gavin
UCFAthletics.com
Sean Johnson Video Interview
CHICAGO, Ill. (UCFAthletics.com) - Former UCF men's soccer standout Sean Johnson made his professional debut Wednesday night, starting in goal and playing all 90 minutes for the Chicago Fire in a 1-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the opening match of the Chicago Sister Cities International Cup at Toyota Park in Chicago.
Johnson made three saves in the game, allowing only a 14th minute goal by Clement Chantome, but was not helped by his offense as the Fire went scoreless in the contest.
The former Knight standout did not get the result he wanted, but Johnson was still overall pleased with his professional debut.
"It was a good opportunity," Johnson said. "I think you learn from playing and this being my first game I think I did alright. "Playing different games and getting the experience is what I need. The games are good, you only learn from your mistakes by playing. I've got a lot to improve on, but it's a good start."
A two-year starter for UCF in 2007 and 2008, Johnson became the first UCF player to be drafted by an MLS squad when the Fire made him the 51st pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft.
In his two seasons with the Knights, Johnson played in each of the team's 37 games and racked up 191 saves, good for fifth place on the program's all-time list. His 108 saves in 2008 are tied for the third-highest single-season total in UCF history and are the most by a Knight keeper since 1986. Johnson had a goals against average of 1.30.
Johnson did not compete for UCF during the 2009 season because he was selected to play with the United States U-20 National team and participated in the U-20 World Cup this past fall.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.