The FIFA Under-20 World Cup got underway over the weekend in Suez, Egypt. Along for the ride, and a long way from home, is former UCF goalkeeper Sean Johnson. He initially joined the United States National Team in December 2008 and was one of 19 players to make trips with the squad to Trinidad and Tobago in January, and the World Cup-qualifying CONCACAF U-20 Championships in March, following two seasons with the Knights.

He’s currently one of three goalkeepers, and 21 players, on the U.S. team which lost to Germany, 3-0, earlier in the week and defeated Cameroon, 4-1, on Tuesday in Group C play

Sean Johnson

UCLA’s Brian Perk is receiving the minutes in the net for the U.S. ahead of both Johnson and Major League Soccer’s Josh Lambo of FC Dallas. A win on Friday against Korea Republic (12:45 p.m. ET on ESPN2) ensures the U.S. a spot in the Round of 16 while a loss and a little bit of help may most likely do the same. The tournament wraps up Oct. 16.

Johnson, who also has competed with the Jamaican National Team, started 37 games while at UCF and finished ranked No. 5 on the school’s all-time saves list with 191 to his credit. In 2008 he allowed just 1.30 goals against per game and made 108 saves, the most for a keeper at UCF since 1986 when Dan Cordia did it. That number is good for a tie at No. 3 all-time amongst single season save marks in program history. Rick Bratincevic made 149 saves in 1982 and 143 saves in 1983.

Visit UCF Athletics for a question and answer session with Johnson about the experience.