Fire draft midfielder Daniel Johnson at No. 11 in MLS SuperDraft

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After trading the No. 3 pick in the draft for allocation money, the Fire selected Louisville midfielder Daniel Johnson with the No. 11 pick.

Johnson was one of the standout performers at the combine, according to multiple reports from Los Angeles. On the live draft stream MLSSoccer.com’s Matthew Doyle described Johnson as a “true winger.”

Wing depth was one of the Fire’s biggest needs entering the draft. David Accam is a stalwart at left wing, but the Fire don’t have any other speedy wide players and Johnson could fit that mold.

On the draft stage, Johnson thanked the Fire for giving him a chance and believing in him.

Johnson began his college career at Maryland, but struggled for playing time and transferred to Louisville after two years. As a junior in 2015, Johnson had five goals and was a Second-Team All-ACC pick. The Georgia native had two goals and five assists and was a Third-Team All-ACC pick as a senior. His draft stock appeared to rise after having two assists and drawing and converting a penalty kick in his first game at the combine.

The Fire don’t have any more picks in the first two rounds of the draft.

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