Eddie Johnson sparked controversy with his remarks about his former USMNT teammate Landon Donovan.
Johnson had called out the former LA Galaxy star after Donovan’s comments downplaying the hype surrounding U.S. soccer’s latest talent, Cavan Sullivan. The former FC Dallas forward took particular offense at Donovan naming him among several U.S. players who failed to live up to expectations.
While Donovan has yet to respond, Johnson has taken another shot at his former teammate on social media, this time bringing youth soccer into the discussion.
Eddie Johnson Targets Landon Donovan’s Youth Soccer Comments
Johnson’s frustration was directed at Donovan’s remarks about youth soccer in the U.S., where he described the entire system as a “disaster.”
The 42-year-old, who currently works as a youth soccer skills-development coach and trainer under his EJE7 brand, was quick to call out Donovan and question his involvement in youth soccer.
Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports
“‘I’ve always been passionate’ yet hasn’t poured anything back into the youth. His coaching career didn’t last and now his kid gets cut he’s pissed off. Now he has the solution to change youth soccer. Now everyone, current and past players including Landon Timothy Donovan whom I’ve played with on the national team since I have been retired knows I have been heavily invested into youth soccer changing the way kids should train, putting the focus and emphasis on developing over winning at the grassroots age,” Johnson said.
Donovan had previously questioned the USMNT’s inability to build on its 2002 World Cup run, blaming the lack of progress on inadequate youth player development.
“We are not developing players like the rest of the world…Our youth soccer in this country is a disaster,” the six-time MLS cup champion had said.
Johnson, meanwhile, has been involved in grassroots soccer as a skills-development coach and mentor in Orlando, Florida, where he operates under his EJE7 brand. He also pointed to his work with young players and criticized Donovan for discussing the need for change without taking similar action himself.
“I’ve gone against the system and have inspired many programs, clubs and coaches on how kids should train. l’ve been on podcasts before, he’s been on podcasts talking about what needs to be done for almost a decade. Not behind a microphone or on the Telly, really putting in the work.”
Johnson also claimed that young players travel from across the country to work with him, adding that Donovan had not acknowledged his efforts despite their history as teammates.
“Kids traveling from all over the country before all of these programs existed coming to Orlando to be mentored by me and not once has he given me my flowers and he’s my former teammate but is quick to talk negative about people when there is so much positivity to talk about and people that are doing great work out there just like these young ballers he slams that are doing amazing.”
Johnson, who earned 63 caps for the USMNT, further questioned whether Donovan would have spoken out about youth soccer if his eight-year-old son had not experienced the system firsthand. His son was reportedly moved to Team B at his club after bigger and stronger players were promoted to Team A.
“If his son would have never gotten cut would he be on these podcasts saying he’s passionate about changing youth soccer? I didn’t fall in love with youth soccer out of anger, I owed it to the game because it did so much for me and my family.”
Despite his frustration with Donovan, Johnson also called on experienced players to take a more active role in youth soccer development, arguing that former and current professionals have a responsibility to give back to the next generation.
“I did it because if we wanna give our youth a chance at learning the right way, instilling the right attributes in these kids and teaching them when, where and how on the pitch to use them. We need more players of experience, players at the highest level pouring back and I started that a decade ago.”
More Soccer News
- Eric Wynalda Confronts Christian Pulisic Backlash After Pochettino’s USMNT Snub
- Marseille vs. Olympiacos Lineups, Live Stream, How & Where to Watch Europa League
- Bournemouth vs. Sturm Graz Lineups, Live Streaming, How & Where to Watch UEFA Europa League on TV
- Celta Vigo vs. Juventus Lineups, Live Streaming, How & Where to Watch UEFA Europa League on TV
