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Patrick Johnston

Editor of thelanguageofsoccer.com

Pat Johnston is the quintessential soccer junkie and has the pedigree to prove it. He has been to four continents "following the football" (five after The Confederations Cup this summer) and has enourmous experience as a coach, player, journalist, photographer, and fan. His unique perspective and presentation of "the beatiful game" will be a welcome addition to the soccer web site community. On his frequent travels, Pat will maintain a daily blog which he hopes will put the reader "right there with him". He decided that a web site was in order due to the many reactions he would receive while talking soccer with friends and acquaintances. From the English who are astounded of "his knowledge of football" to the Americans who consider him a "poor soul born in the wrong country", to the Latins who recognize "su amor para futbol" PJ will speak thelanguage of soccer with anybody.

Johnston brings to the table a coaching and playing background that will benefit the site in many ways. Tim Carter, former USSF Director of Youth Development and regular contributor to the site states, “I am very familiar with Patrick and have enlisted his services in the past. A former player and coach at the collegiate and professional levels, his experience will be invaluable in putting together a quality soccer site." PJ has a USSF A License and has spent many years involved in Youth Soccer throughout the US.

As a player, PJ was a High School All-American and member of the US National Youth Team. He played four years at Duke University and was selected All-ACC three years and was an All-American selection in his senior season. He still holds just about every goalkeeping record at Duke University. He went on to play professionally in England and returned home to play in the professional leagues in the US prior to the introduction of the MLS.

PJ has a BA in economics from Duke University (1986) and is married with three children, Corinne (20), Nikki (13), Kyle (11) and is also the editor of a site exclusively for goalkeepers, thegoalkeepersunion.net

PJ in the Swiss Alps, June 2008