The Barometer Online

Senior forward Ryan Johnson makes a pass in OSU's 2-1 home win over San Diego State on Oct. 7, 2005. Johnson was drafted in the Major League Soccer Superdraft Friday by Real Salt Lake as the 26th overall selection of the draft. Jacob Greg [Click to enlarge]

Oregon State senior midfielder/forward Ryan Johnson was drafted by Real Salt Lake in the third round of the 2006 Major League Soccer SuperDraft on Friday.

Johnson was the second pick of the third round and the 26th selection overall. Real Salt Lake was an expansion team in 2005, and the squad finished fifth out of six teams in the Western Conference.

Johnson was watching the draft on-line from his residence in Corvallis, and was happy to see his name come up.

"I was surprised to go so high," he said. "I played well at the MLS Combine, but I was also expecting the worst. When I saw my name it was a great feeling.

"I wasn't surprised to be taken by Real Salt Lake, because they came to me after the combine and told me that they liked how I played, and they were surprised they hadn't heard of me before. I guess they were pleased with what they saw. I'm really happy to be going to a place where I can hopefully have the opportunity to play right away.

"I talked to their general manager and head coach this morning and they said they were excited to have me, and I told them likewise. It's a first step. I'll leave in a week and that'll be another step. I can't be complacent. I have to go and make the team and keep moving forward."

Johnson is a four-time All-Pac-10 selection, having made the first team in 2004 and 2005, the second team in 2003 and the honorable mention squad in 2002. He was named to the NSCAA All-Far West Region second team in 2005. He led the Beavers in almost every offensive category this season with six goals, nine assists, 21 points and 47 shots. He led the Pac-10 in assists and was named the conference's Player of the Week twice in 2005.

He ended his career as Oregon State's all-time assist leader with 30, and finished third in points (66) and tied for seventh in goals (18). He also holds the OSU assist records for a single season (13 in 2003) and game (three assists, twice).

Johnson was born in Jamaica and holds dual citizenship. He earned a spot on the Jamaican Olympic Team's traveling squad during summer 2003.

Two former Beavers were in MLS in 2005: Alan Gordon (L.A. Galaxy) and Josh Elbaum (Colorado Rapids). Johnson is the second OSU player to be selected in the MLS SuperDraft. Gordon was taken in the sixth round (53rd overall) by the Galaxy in 200

Article Tools