Sean Johnson, a native of Lilburn, was named MVP of Saturday’s MLS Cup for his performance during NYCFC’s victory against Portland at Providence Park in Oregon.
Johnson saved two penalty kicks that decided the shootout, won by NYCFC, 4-2, after the teams drew 1-1 in regulation.
Both of the saves by Johnson involved him diving down to his right to get a right hand on the first shot taken by Felipe Mora and then the second by Diego Valeri.
“It feels unbelievable to be able to call ourselves champions,” Johnson told journalists after the match. “What a ride so far, this journey was crazy this year, so many ups, so many downs and we talked amongst ourselves before the game and said it’s a massive opportunity to make it all worth it. This is what we live for, these moments. To be the MVP of the [MLS Cup Final], it means the whole world, but it means so much more to lift a cup for this club.”
Johnson, 32, was also the hero of NYCFC’s Eastern Conference final victory against New England for his save of Adam Buksa’s shot in the penalty kick shootout.
“Our whole team just feels so confident going into shootouts,” James Sands said was quoted as saying. “We have been in that and he’s always going to make the play, he’s always going to a big save. In big moments he’s just clutch. We felt confident going into the penalties. Sean’s a big reason why we made it this far in the season.”
Johnson spent his first seven seasons in MLS with Chicago. He was trade to Atlanta United, which then immediately traded him to NYCFC before the 2017 season. He has 321 appearances in MLS.
Johnson attended Brookwood High before enrolling at Central Florida. He also placed for the Blackhawks in the USL Premier Development League.
About the Author
