Johnson just doing his job

Fall 1993
Originally published by The Daily Collegian (Fresno State)

He's not a goal scorer. He seldom racks up inspired stats on offense. In fact, he has yet to score a goal in his Fresno State career. But Brian Johnson may be Bulldog soccer's biggest weapon.

"Brian is one of the top college soccer players in the country," head coach John Bluem says simply.

Johnson's skills at defense and set-up roles have propelled the 'Dogs to a fast start. FSU is ranked ninth in the country with a 10-2-1 record heading into Friday's match at Air Force.

"I'm not forgetting that, obviously, soccer is a team sport," says Johnson. "I'm just doing my job and so is everyone else. We've been doing that all season."

"The thing is, we're solid all around. We have a great keeper, great defense, great midfielders and forwards. So we're a team that can win and score at any time."

A 5'7", 130-pound sophomore, Johnson is one of the quickest players on the field. And he deserves the praise. His accomplishments include being a member of the U.S. Under-20 National Team and playing at this year's Olympic Festival in San Antonio, Tx.

A year ago, he had to learn a new position and still became one of FSU's standouts.

"Last season, we asked him to make a sacrifice," said Bluem. "We needed to get more impact into our defense. So he made the switch to play defender."

Johnson went on to start every game for the the 'Dogs in 1992 and proved to be a main asset to FSU's defense and midfield play.

"I'm more comfortable at midfield, but it's more important to be in a spot to help the team out," Johnson said.

Teaming up with Mario Sanchez, the two have made up an imposing tandem. Bluem boasted the combination as the "best midfield defense in the region."

"They're emerging as the key players on our team," he spoke of Johnson and Sanchez. "They complement each other very well."

Johnson, meanwhile, has a style all his own. "Brian plays on both sides of the ball," said Bluem. "He's an enforcer. He wins his tackles. And he'll challenge, he fights for the ball."

"His role is to distribute the ball and make the passes to set up scoring opportunities. Once he gets the ball, he rarely loses possession."

The 'Dogs are scoring in bunches this year and that is more than partly due to Johnson's heady playmaking.

"It's good that we're putting goals on the board," said Johnson. "That takes pressure off us and our defense can relax, knowing that we don't need to pitch a shutout every game to win. Last year, we had that pressure."

Johnson said he expects to get in on the scoring sooner or later.

"I'd like to think that I'm a possession player," he said. "My strong point is that I don't give up the ball. I'm not the biggest on the field, but I feel that I am the quickest."

Bluem said Johnson is also one of the most coachable players on the Bulldogs.

"He's an unselfish player. He's willing to do what's best. He's not a goal scorer, but his strength is in playmaking and defending. That's what he does, and he does it well. Clearly, he's contributing."

Johnson and Bluem said his playing style is important to the Bulldogs' success.

"The way I play is to get the ball to others," Johnson said. "I may not be scoring the goals, but I'm stopping other teams and creating goals."

Bluem said, "Brian's having a tremendous season for us in his position. He is one of the primary reasons for the success we've enjoyed this year."