Bermuda Goalkeeper Profiled In US

Bermuda goalkeeper Daniel Johnson, currently playing with the Baltimore Blast in the US Major Indoor Soccer League, will be on trial with Pennsylvania’s Harrisburg City Islanders [HCI] later this month.

The Dandy Town goalkeeper is hoping to impress the coaching staff enough to earn a spot on the team’s 2012 roster.

Based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the professional soccer team was founded in 2004. The Harrisburg City Islanders play in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid.

This week Mr. Johnson was interviewed for Harrisburg City Islanders blogger Derek Meluzio’s “Upper 90″ column about his background in Bermuda football, how he was introduced to HCI and what his expectations are for 2012.

Upper 90: Daniel, tell our fans a bit about yourself. What is your playing background and which former clubs have you played for?

Daniel Johnson: My name is Daniel Johnson, I was born and raised in Bermuda. As a youth I starting playing football at the age of nine. My first position wasn’t goalkeeper. I was actually a midfielder until one day my coach decided to put me in the net and I have not moved out of the position since.

In Bermuda I have played for two different club teams. In my youth days I played for Dandy Town Hornets, and North Village Community Club. Currently I am a member of Dandy Town Hornets Men’s Team that play in the Premier Division.

I have also represented my country for many years. I was first selected to play for the U-15, and from there I took part in U-17, U-20, U-23 and the Bermuda MNT. I have played against many countries and international club teams during that time period (Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad, Canada, Grenada, Barbados, St.Lucia, Metro Stars, Man. City Academy and various teams in the Dallas Cup). I attended Herkimer Community College NY where I played there for 2 years and won a National Championship in 2008 under coach Pepe Aragon.

Upper 90: So far as a player do you have one match or one moment that stands out as your favorite?

Daniel Johnson: The one match that I will never forget is when I was playing for the U-17 World Cup Qualifiers in 2002/2003 I believe. We had made it to the next round where we had to play a home and away against Cuba. We had tied Cuba in the first leg which was held in Bermuda. That was my best game ever. I remember saving everything that came my way. I played with so much heart. The score was 0-0. The score line could have easily been 4-0. I ended up getting Man of the Match, which I was very proud of. The next day in the newspaper (The Royal Gazette) the headlines read. ” Cubans Denied by Keeper”, I’ll never forget that day. In end result, we lost to Cuba in the away leg 2-0 but it was another great game as well.

Upper 90: How did you get hooked up with/connected with the Harrisburg City Islanders?

Daniel Johnson:  I actually found out about HCI through David Bascome last summer. He was impressed by my performance during his ISL( Island Soccer League) and wanted me to come up and tryout for the team. He is currently the assistant coach for the Baltimore Blast. He has sent a few players from Bermuda to go on trial with HCI in the past as well . He and the coach at HCI have a good relationship together. Also, my manager Quency Phillips has also played a big part in me getting up here and making all the arrangements. He talked to the coaches and makes sure everything ran smoothly so hopefully I can land a contract with HCI which I want so bad.

Upper 90: Heading into training camp what are your expectations for the 2012 season?

Daniel Johnson: I’m expecting fierce competition heading into training camp. I know its not going to be an easy task. Tryouts alone was very intense. I’m going in with a clear mind and going to make the best of this opportunity. I have a lot of work to do because tryouts was nothing. I have a lot more convincing to do and impressing for the coaching staff.

So I’m going to work hard everyday and try to be the best out there. My main objective is to be consistent. Being consistent as a goalkeeper will take you a long way. I want to come in everyday and perform and show my coaches how bad I want this. Honestly, I’m a bit intimidated because of the size of the other goalkeepers who will be going into camp. I’m not the tallest of keepers and in todays professional arena , most keepers are tall and most coaches would rather have a good size keeper. That’s the challenge I face but I know I can make up the size gap because I have a good work ethic, I am very athletic and I’m determined.

At the end of the day I see this as a win-win situation because if I don’t make the team, this is/has been a big step and learning curve in my career as a goalkeeper and I’m just looking to develop and get better as a player.

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