Is Sam Johnson The Future Striker At Real Salt Lake

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Sam Johnson got his first MLS start last weekend during the 1-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders. Although the game did not go in the favor of Real Salt Lake, Johnson’s performance was the best RSL fans have seen since the Álvaro Saborío days.

Prior to this past weekend, Johnson was a frequent player called off the bench for Mike Petke during games. However, more often than not, would only get twenty odd minutes to showcase his abilities, which is not enough time to get into the game and figure out the speed and tempo.

Johnson held up the football against very talented, and big center backs. Proving that the qualities required in a striker are in his wheel house.

The Liberian international also made some great runs, attempting to run off the defenders shoulders to get in, and behind the defensive back four.

Johnson's attempt for a goal.

📽➡ https://t.co/iMHKXqaors pic.twitter.com/Hze0qmyhqE

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) April 7, 2019

When Johnson finds himself in space, he is dangerous. His speed, combined with his skill will cause havoc for upcoming opposing teams. In the 51st minute against the Sounders, his speed and skill were on full display as he received the ball around midfield on a counter attacking opportunity and within seconds found himself cutting onto his left foot only to miss the bottom left corner by a yard.

Sam Johnson is the future at striker for Real Salt Lake. His confidence will grow with the more minutes he plays. His confidence, and his teammates confidence will also improve, knowing the runs he makes and anticipating them as opposed to guessing will drastically help Johnson’s and Real Salt Lake’s chances of scoring more goals.

Next Up

Real Salt Lake comes home to face Orlando City SC on Saturday at 7 p.m.

RSL homegrown player Danilo Acosta, who is currently on loan to Orlando, returns home to face his former teammates for the first time since leaving.

Orlando is currently in 6th place in the Eastern Conference and are coming off a 4-3 victory over the Colorado Rapids.

The match on Saturday can be streamed for free on sports.ksl.com, as well as the KSL TV app.

Reminder

sports.ksl.com in collaboration with Real Salt Lake have launched a new podcast. It is the official Real Salt Lake podcast for all your club news and updates. Tom Hackett, Spencer Warne and Director of PR for RSL Matt Gashck break down the games and discuss important club matters.

To listen to The Lion’s Den, click here. It is available on iTunes, Google Play or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to rate and subscribe!