Keepin' It Real has confirmed that Real Salt Lake has acquired the rights to Canadian National Team striker Will Johnson from Chicago for a 4th round draft pick in 2009 and a 2nd round draft pick in 2011.
According to Garth Lagerway this addition is part of Real Salt Lake's philosophy of "bringing in American players returning from abroad". Although born in Canada and playing for the Canadian national team, Will has considered Chicago his hometown and appears to have dual citizenship.
He will be arriving in Salt Lake City on Sunday and will be available for training on Monday.
According to Garth "anytime you bring in a 21-year old there is going to be an adjustment", "you just can't look at it and say he's going to step right in." However, "he's going to come in and compete for a spot and if he's the best guy he'll play". He is also part of the stable of promising young American talent that the club has been assembling which includes Chris Seitz, Nathan Sturgis, Robbie Findley, Alex Nimo and Yura Movsisyan.
"He's technically a good player. He has some pace. He has the ability to play out wide in the midfield, or up top," said Garth. He also "has a good engine, a good attitude and is a competitor and we like that."
