Football
Reuters 1y

Toronto FC signs USMNT goalkeeper Sean Johnson from NYCFC

Toronto FC announced the signing of U.S. men's national team goalkeeper Sean Johnson on Friday.

Johnson, 33, who won 2021 MLS Cup MVP honors with New York City FC, was signed through 2024 using targeted allocation money. Terms were not disclosed.

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Johnson spent the past six seasons at NYCFC. He made the 2022 MLS All-Star Game and finished last season with a career-high 14 clean sheets in 34 starts.

"We would like to thank Sean for all the hard work and leadership he has given to this Club both on-and-off the field," NYCFC sporting director David Lee said. "Sean has been a leader and a fantastic professional since the day he arrived and ultimately played such an important part in winning the Club our first MLS Cup in 2021."

Following Johnson's departure, NYCFC announced that it had signed Philadelphia Union backup goalkeeper Matt Freese for $350K in general allocation money (GAM). The deal could cost a furtherĀ $400,000 in GAM if certain performance-related clauses are met.

Johnson has 90 career shutouts in 355 starts over 13 MLS seasons with the Chicago Fire (2010-16) and NYCFC.

"Sean has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in MLS, given his club and international career," Toronto FC head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley said. "Sean continues to demonstrate his elite shot-stopping ability, athleticism, and decision-making in important moments and the biggest games."

Johnson has earned 10 caps with the USMNT since 2013, posting five clean sheets. He served as a backup for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He will be added to the Toronto roster pending receipt of his international transfer certificate. The Reds open the 2023 MLS season on Feb. 25 at D.C. United.

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