DC United Signs Veteran Goalkeeper Sean Johnson as Free Agent in Surprise Move

D.C. United has acquired experienced goalkeeper Sean Johnson as a free agent on a contract extending through June 2027. The 36-year-old brings significant MLS and international experience to the Black-and-Red’s roster, joining the club after three seasons with Toronto FC.

Johnson’s track record demonstrates consistent excellence across his professional career. He ranks among MLS’s elite clean sheet achievers, becoming only the fourth goalkeeper in league history to record 100 regular-season clean sheets. During the 2025 season with Toronto, he made 31 appearances with seven clean sheets and 111 saves, ranking fifth in MLS.

The goalkeeper’s greatest achievement came with New York City FC, where he won the 2021 MLS Cup MVP award. Johnson was instrumental in NYCFC’s first-ever championship, helping the team defeat Portland Timbers in a penalty shootout. In six seasons with New York, he appeared in 206 matches and earned MLS All-Star recognition in 2022, also winning the Campeones Cup.

Johnson began his MLS career with Chicago Fire after being drafted 51st overall in 2010. He made his professional debut in a U.S. Open Cup match and his league debut shortly after. During his six seasons with Chicago, he compiled 191 appearances with 41 clean sheets, establishing himself as a reliable starter in his formative years.

At the international level, Johnson has represented the United States in 13 competitive matches. He debuted for the USMNT in 2011 and participated in three Gold Cup tournaments, appearing in 2013, 2017, and 2021. His most recent appearance occurred at the 2023 Gold Cup, where he recorded his 11th clean sheet for his country against St. Kitts and Nevis.