D.C. United Sign Polarizing USMNT Forward Eddie Johnson

The 2013 MLS offseason continues to excite. Yesterday, D.C. United signed USMNT forward Eddie Johnson and is reportedly working on making him a designated player (according to Washington Post). Should Johnson sign a DP contract, he could easily double his $175,000 salary from 2013 with the Seattle Sounders.

The Black-and-Red needed to add a playmaker with Johnson’s scoring capability. Last season with Seattle, EJ scored nine goals – the same total as the top three United scorers combined. Johnson will be needed to help D.C. climb back into the Eastern Conference playoff hunt after finishing dead last in 2013. EJ is a dangerous attacker who can score in the air, a weapon United have long been without.

The fan reaction to the signing of the USMNT forward was extremely mixed. Some fans expressed concern over his reputation as a poor team player and bad locker room presence. Nicholas Polimenakos posted this to the MLS Facebook page:

gets kicked out of practice…complains about teammates publicly..complains about getting paid on twitter and during games. frivolous yellow cards at the end of games…

Still, others rejoiced another big signing by D.C. United during an offseason that has seen the club being very active, also adding defender Sean Franklin from L.A.

Fellow national team player and new United teammate Bill Hamid welcomed EJ to the District on Instagram following the announcement.

Johnson is not the only big name professional athlete that elicits such polarizing fan reactions. Think Washington Redskins quarterback RG3, Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Dez Bryant or Miami Heat forward Lebron James. All three of these players have talent and all seemingly leave the press and fans either celebrating or bashing them on social media.

Two things are certain: D.C. United has shown a commitment to improve and compete next MLS season and Eddie Johnson (love him or hate him) brings excitement and passion to D.C., while instantly improving the odds of success in the nation’s capital.

Name:                 Eddie Johnson
Height:                6-foot
Weight:               180 pounds
Position:              Forward
Birthdate:            03/31/1984
Birthplace:           Daytona Beach, FL
Hometown           Palm Coast, FL
Previous Club:     Seattle Sounders FC
Acquired:            Acquired via trade on December 17, 2013