CARSON, Calif. -- Prior to traveling to Seattle for Sunday's clash against the Seattle Sounders, I caught up with Landon Donovan to discuss the current run of form of Sounders forward -- and Donovan's one-time U.S. national team teammate -- Eddie Johnson.
Since signing with the Sounders after a much-maligned stint in Europe, Johnson has been electric for the Sounders scoring nine goals and two assists in 18 appearances this season. Johnson has grown incredibly hot as of late with five goals in his last six matches and has played a critical role for the Sounders during their recent five game unbeaten streak. Perhaps central to Johnson's recent rise has been his partnership with midfielder Mauro Rosales, who has provided assists on five of Johnson's nine goals this season.
Donovan is all too familiar with Johnson having served with him during the 2006 World Cup when the pair were considered two of the finest weapons at the United States' disposal during the tournament.
"The biggest thing with Eddie is that he's confident again and when he's confident, he's aggressive and he's assertive and runs at people and he attacks you," said Donovan. "When he's not confident, he doesn't do those things and he's a lot easier to play against. Right now, he's one of the most difficult players in the league to play against and our guys are going to have a big task to stop him."
