Men’s Soccer Names Brian Johnson Assistant Coach – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/24/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Jan. 24, 2003
COLUMBUS, Ohio-The Ohio State men’s soccer team recently added Brian Johnson to its coaching staff, head coach John Bluem announced Friday. Johnson, who had been playing for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the United Soccer Leagues A-League, will begin his coaching duties immediately.
“I am thrilled to have B.J. on our coaching staff,” Bluem said. “His ability to relate with players and teach them about the game of soccer will be a tremendous addition to our program.”
For the past two seasons for the Riverhounds, Johnson saw action in 32 regular season games, starting 29 and allotting over 2,800 minutes at the midfield position. While with the Riverhounds, he also served as an assistant director of youth development during off season.
His professional career began as a 1996 draft pick of the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer. In five years with the club, he appeared in 67 games, starting 34 and notching a goal and eight assists in 3,413 minutes. His career culminated in being a part of the 2000 MLS Cup Championship team as a member of the Wizards.
Johnson’s history with Bluem dates back to his collegiate career (1992-96) at Fresno State where Bluem was the head coach from 1991-96. In four seasons as a Bulldog, Johnson collected 30 points on six goals and 18 assists as the first national team player signed by Fresno State. As a senior and captain, he was a third team All-America selection as well as a first team All-Far West Region and All-Western Athletic Conference honoree for helping to lead his team to the NCAA tournament quarterfinals. Overall, his FSU career included three all-league selections, an All-America selection and two conference championships.
Johnson, 28, is a native of Livermore, Calif. and now resides in Columbus with his wife, Ashley, and daughter Haley. He is currently pursuing a B.S. degree in Liberal Studies.
