Ryan Johnson can't help but smile when he wakes up every morning. After all, just a few months ago the Real Salt Lake rookie was attending classes at Oregon State University and wondering if he had a legitimate future in soccer.
"When I wake up in the morning, I'm like, 'wow, what's going,' " said Johnson.
What's going on is that Johnson is quickly making a name for himself. In the past two weeks he's scored in both RSL reserve games, made his debut appearance with the senior club on opening day, and oh, by the way, he started and played 71 minutes for his native Jamaica during Tuesday's 1-1 draw with the United States.
Not a bad two weeks for a player selected in the third round of the MLS SuperDraft.
"The college game is quality, but at the same time it doesn't compare to this," said Johnson. "I'm learning so fast. I'm surprised I'm doing so well, and I'm just trying to continue and not get complacent."
After getting his first taste with Jamaica's National Team at age 21, complacency seems unlikely. Johnson believes he played well enough to be considered for future international matches, as well as 2010 World Cup qualifying.
The circumstances surrounding his first international appearance couldn't have been better as well. Knowing that Real Salt Lake teammate Eddie Pope was starting opposite him in a U.S. uniform, Johnson didn't doubt for a second that he belonged on the field. After all, he competes against Pope in Real Salt Lake practice every day.
"I was kind of overly prepared for it. It wasn't as strenuous as I thought it would be," said Johnson. "It was a good pace, good level, but it was nothing that was over my head, which is what I thought going into the game."
Realistically, Johnson was mostly nervous because he was starting up top instead of in the midfield.
When Real Salt Lake selected Johnson in the MLS SuperDraft, it envisioned him playing at left midfield. Two months of training camp enabled him to show off his versatility, and know he's a legitimate substitute option at striker or midfield for coach John Ellinger.
There's no doubt the midfield is where he's most comfortable — for now.
"Playing with my back to goal sometimes isn't what I really like, but at this level it's where the coach wants you to play and where you fit," said Johnson. "I have to learn where ever they throw me, I have to perform, and the more positions I play, the more likely I'd be able to get into games."
That holds true for Salt Lake and his National Team.
Even though Johnson won't start in this Saturday RSL home opener against the New York Red Bulls, he's quickly emerging as a legitimate substitute option.
ENDLINES: RSL will be hosting a fan barbecue today at Rice-Eccles Stadium following practice. Front office staff and ownership executives will serve RSL players and fans Famous Dave's BBQ at 11 a.m. Tonight at 6:30 p.m., the team's two supporters' clubs, RCB and The Loyalists, will be hosting an evening rally at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com
New York Red Bulls at Real Salt Lake
Saturday, 7 p.m.
Rice-Eccles Stadium
TV: Direct Kick
Radio: 700AM (English) 1600AM (Spanish)
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com