Herriman • Midfielder Albert Rusnák and forward Sam Johnson share the Real Salt Lake team lead in goals scored this season, with nine apiece.
The difference? The Slovakian’s scoring total has spanned 1,922 minutes played. The Liberian’s have come in just 1,005.
So, given that RSL racked up 13 goals in seven MLS games while Johnson was out with a quad muscle injury, what might the team’s attack be capable of now that he’s returned?
“I think every time I come in, I can change things,” Johnson said.
His play before he got hurt on July 3 against the Columbus Crew certainly would seem to bear that out.
He’d scored three goals in the previous two games. And he’d notched four of RSL’s five scores over the prior six-game span. There were times where it felt as though he was the entirety of the offense.
So, while losing a player of that caliber should perhaps never be characterized as a positive development, Johnson’s absence did force the team to figure some things out in the meantime.
And they did.
Four goals against Philadelphia. Three vs. NYCFC. Two against Sporting KC. Three more in a win over Seattle.
RSL VS. COLORADO RAPIDS
At Rio Tinto Stadium
When • Saturday, 8 p.m.
TV • KMYU
Even if RSL didn’t suddenly become an absolutely unstoppable juggernaut on the attack (there were scoreless games vs. San Jose and FC Dallas, and a single goal vs. Minnesota United), the simple fact is, other players had to step up.
“Obviously, it was hard when he wasn't there. … But we're a good team — people can figure things out, we're very adaptable. I think that's one of the real plus sides of our attack, the fact they they can all change positions anywhere,” said defender Nedum Onuoha. “We found a way to score quite a few goals in that spell when he was out, and we didn't concede too many. He definitely adds to us, but we don't necessarily fully depend on him, either.”
Forward Corey Baird also cited taking advantage of the players’ versatility as a major factor in keeping the offense going.
“It's just how deep we are. We have so many guys who can fill in so many different spots in the lineup,” he said. “It keeps teams guessing.”
Johnson agreed that his teammates played well while he was out. And he was definitely pleased to see them succeed.
Still, the 26-year-old designated player acknowledged that he couldn’t shake the helpless feeling of watching them take the field while knowing there was nothing he could do.
“It’s really hard, really difficult,” Johnson said. “I always come to play, not to be sitting. … There’s nothing to do.”
So, he was more than ecstatic when interim coach Freddy Juarez summoned him as a replacement late last Saturday night against LAFC. And he’s eager to get another chance this Saturday night vs. Colorado.
His return to form brings two apparent benefits — one quite obvious, the other more peripheral.
First, naturally, is Johnson’s prodigious talent as a goal-scorer. Juarez called him “a different type of player.” Baird noted that his presence “gives us another dynamic to our attack, something that the other guys on the team don't bring.”
The secondary impact comes from the idea that those players who got extra minutes as a result of Johnson’s injury will now be inclined to step it up further and prove they still warrant a spot among the 11 out there, while Johnson must also show that he deserves his role back.
“You have more competition for places, and the level of training goes up, the level of preparation goes up,” Onuoha said. “And then, you know, if someone's out on the field, they deserve to be there.”
“When you're a pro and you see your full roster, it just keeps you on your toes — you have to give your best,” Juarez added. “So whether Sam takes someone else's position for the weekend or someone else beats him out, rightfully so, that's why it's it's a competition. When you have competition, then you tend to bring out the best.”
Johnson, in a quiet, non-demonstrative voice that belies his explosiveness and flair on the field, made it apparent he intends to do exactly that.
“Football is up and down — sometimes you have a good game, sometimes it’s bad. But,” he added, “every time, I think I can have an impact and help my team.”
