Eddie Johnson's Woes Continue...

In 2004, Eddie Johnson set a record for most goals per appearance after tallying 5 goals in three appearances. One of which is the only hat trick scored by an American substitute, in a match against Panama during World Cup Qualification.

Johnson's form continued to impress when he scored 3 goals in the first five matches of the 2005 season, including goals against Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala during the final round of World Cup Qualification.

These kinds of stats are why the forward just spent the past couple weeks with Reading in the English Premier League. Oddly enough, the striker's luck has run out, and he's headed back to play with the Wizards.

Just after his miracle performances in 2004 and 2005, Johnson suffered a string of injuries.

Johnson missed the big U.S. vs. England match in May of 2005 due to "turf toe". What was believed to be nothing more than "turf toe" was in fact a stress fracture of his right foot causing Johnson to miss a large portion of the 2005 season.

Johnson still managed to make 15 appearances for FC Dallas and score five goals before damaging his foot again and missing September and October of the 2005 season.

The young striker's trials weren't over just yet.

After getting healthy, Dallas sent Johnson to Kansas City where he was joined by fellow U.S. National Team members Josh Wolff, Kerry Zavagnin, and Jimmy Conrad. It was expected that the youth would thrive under these conditions and that the Wizards would have a real shot winning the MLS Cup.

Unfortunately, Johnson continued to struggle to find the back of the net. Johnson stayed healthy and made 19 appearances for the Wizards but only scored twice.

Despite his inability to produce, Real Sociedad in Spain made a bid for the forward during the summer transfer period; however, the MLS rejected the offer, leaving Johnson to struggle with the Wizards.

During the run of play up to the World Cup, Johnson played several games for the U.S. National Team hoping to get his form back. It looked promising when the young gun slotted a shot in against Guatemala, and U.S. Coach Bruce Arena took Johnson to the World Cup.

Johnson only saw the field twice during the World Cup and both times as a late substitute. Once again, he couldn't buy a goal.

At the end of this most recent MLS season, Johnson left the U.S. to join fellow national teammates, Bobby Convey and Marcus Hahnemann at Reading. Johnson spent time there training with the team while on trial.

Reading's Manager Hammond had some comments for i.c. Berkshire about Johnson's visit to England.

"It was interesting for both parties for us to have a look at Eddie but he will not be coming back."

It is clear that Johnson has yet to find his form since his second injury. What remains to be seen is if the Wizard's new coach, Curt Onalfo, will be able to put the shine back on Johnson. If Johnson is unable to find his form soon, the striker may soon find himself out of job because the Wizards will rely his potential now that Josh Wolff is playing for 1860 in Germany.