When new Toronto FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson was having dinner at the renowned Yorkville feed bag Sotto Sotto with his girlfriend Marissa, TFC president Bill Manning, assistant GM Jason Hernandez and their wives earlier this winter, Johnson discovered that there was more on the menu than Linguine Scoglio and Chicken scallopini.
Johnson hadn’t yet signed with the Reds and Manning @ Co putting on the full-court press to get the 2022 MLS All-Star to commit to TFC. As they were talking, Drake popped by the table to say hello and to help sell Johnson on the virtues of playing and living in T.O.
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Obviously, Drake’s visit wasn’t the only or main reason Johnson ended up signing a new deal with the Reds, but it certainly didn’t hurt. Drake has long been one of Toronto’s biggest boosters and has gone out of his way to sell the merits of his hometown to high-profile, free agent athletes. Johnson let it be known at a media availability at the BMO Training Ground on Wednesday that there were a number of reasons why he ultimately chose to sign with the rebuilding Reds – No.1 being that he thinks TFC is heading in the right direction in terms of being one of the top clubs in MLS.
“I was at a stage of my career where it was important for me to be somewhere where I felt wanted and the most important thing, a club that is positioned to win,” he said.
Manning said that Johnson was the No. 1 free agent TFC coveted in the off-season, particularly after letting veteran goalkeepers Alex Bono and Quentin Westberg go. Johnson, a native of Lilburn, Georgia, spent the last six seasons with New York City FC, helping guide the Blues to the 2021 MLS Cup championship where he was named the Cup MVP. Johnson also has a history with both TFC coach Bob Bradley and captain Michael Bradley from when they were all involved with the U.S. Men’s national team (Johnson is still with the program). In fact, Johnson pointed out that his first cap with the national team was when Bradley was the coach (a friendly against Chile in 2011).
“It’s nice to be back playing on the same team (as captain Michael Bradley),” said the personable keeper. “The expectation (with TFC) is to bring the qualities that I’ve developed over the years and that I have as a person, and as a player, to this group and really just give what I can on a daily basis to better this group as a whole. It’s going to be an exciting time.”
Johnson was reminded that his new club has bled goals the past two seasons, though the elder Bradley was forced to submit a starting XI at times last year that often included a handful of teenagers. But that doesn’t have Johnson too worried.
“The group is extremely experienced, extremely talented,” Johnson said. “So it’s keeping my head down and do what I do best and put a lot of time and work into my craft. Ultimately we’ll be judged on winning. And for me, winning is the most important thing. So for me the most important thing is to bring my attitude, work ethic, just put my best foot forward for this group.”
When asked what he thought of the job the Reds have done rebuilding it’s roster the last few months, specifically the addition last summer of Italian stars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, Johnson joked that his old club (NYCFC) “were terrified” about facing those players.
“It’s an unbelievable opportunity to play with world class players and, yeah, it’s definitely a lot better to be teammates (with those guys) than the opposition, that’s for sure,” Johnson said. “I have full confidence that this is the perfect place for me.”
Johnson was asked if he’s going to miss playing at Yankee Stadium, where NYCFC plays its home games. The configuration for soccer at the Bronx baseball palace is strange to say the least. Johnson was diplomatic in his answer.
“It was very cool to play at place that has tradition and a rich history, but to be honest, I’m really looking forward to playing in a soccer specific stadium,” he said. “Every time I’ve gotten a chance to play here (at BMO Field), the supporters have been tremendous and I’m really looking forward to having them cheer me on and taking part in the culture here and adding to that. I’m looking forward to playing in front of amazing fans in an amazing city that really embraces its sport cities.”
The Reds are close to announcing the signing of Norwegian centre back Sigurd Rosted. The Oslo native will be the second CB acquired by TFC this off-season, the first being 2016 MLS Defender of the Year Matt Hedges. The Reds have also brought in left back Raoul Petretta, late of Bern of the Swiss League, former TFC midfielder Victor Vazquez, Norwegian forward Adama Diomande and American goalkeeper Tomas Romero, who is projected to be the No. 2 behind Johnson. The club also re-signed veteran midfielder Jonathan Osorio. TFC has missed the MLS Cup playoffs the past two seasons and Bradley is determined to have the team back in the post-season this year. Johnson will join his new teammates as the Reds head back to San Diego on Thursday for the second stage of MLS pre-season camp. TFC will play four games at the Coachella Valley Invitational with the first match will be against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Feb.8. The MLS regular season begins for MLS on Feb.25 when the Reds travel to DC United. Toronto’s home opener at BMO Field will be March 11 against the Columbus Crew.
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