CHICAGO, Ill. (Jan. 6, 2013) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Sunday that goalkeeper Sean Johnson has been selected by U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann to participate in the annual January Training Camp at the Home Depot Center from Jan. 7 - 28. The three-week training camp will culminate with an international friendly against Canada at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas on Jan. 29 at 8:00 p.m. CT (ESPN2).
This is the third consecutive year the 23-year-old Fire 'keeper will begin the year training with the national team. Johnson was most recently called up for the United States' international friendly against Russia Nov. 14, 2012.
Johnson made his international debut Jan. 22, 2011 against Chile at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Johnson has been capped twice for the United States, earning his second cap Jan. 25, 2012 against Panama at Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City. Johnson played the second half and preserved the shutout in a 1-0 victory.
The Lilburn, Ga. native recently returned from England, where he honed his skills with training stints with English Premier League sides Stoke City from Dec. 5 - 9 and Everton F.C. from Dec. 10 - 23.
In 2012, Johnson appeared in a career-high 31 regular season games for the Men in Red, accumulating a 16-10-5 record, including five shutouts. Johnson's 1.24 goals against average was the lowest in his three years as a professional. Johnson made 108 saves in 2012, including a career-high ten saves against the San Jose Earthquakes July 28.
The Fire host Opening Day at Toyota Park against the New England Revolution on Saturday, March 9. The Men in Red will begin their 16th season on the road the previous week when they visit two-time defending MLS Cup Champions LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center on Sunday, March 3.
Chicago Fire Season Tickets and #cf97withdrawals Winter Packs, which give fans the opportunity to witness the Men in Red in action on Opening Day while donning the four Fire hats and four pairs of Fire gloves included in the pack, are available by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE, via Ticketmaster or by heading to the club’s official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com.
