CUMBERLAND — From the mouth of the goal, Fort Hill’s Daniel Johnson saw everything as it unfolded in front of him on the soccer field.
From the sideline, head coach Jim Hott marveled at his goalkeeper’s play. Johnson’s ability and instincts led to big plays and saves. The big plays and saves led to shutouts and victories.
Ten victories in all, the most for a Fort Hill team in eight years, and a remarkable comeback from a serious injury late in the season were just a two of the major stories of the season for Johnson and the Sentinels soccer team.
Another came after the season when area coaches voted Johnson the Edward C. “Ebbie” Finzel Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
Johnson will receive the award at the 62nd Dapper Dan Awards Dinner on Jan. 31, at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club. The dinner starts at 4 p.m. and the awards program at 5.
Johnson, a senior goalkeeper, is the third Sentinel to win Player of the Year honors, but the first in a decade. The Sentinels’ other top award winners were Eric Dudley in 1999, Adam Fletcher in 1998 and Brian Jennings in 1993.
Johnson, who has played soccer for 13 years, was a four-year player and two-year varsity starter at Fort Hill. He helped lead the Sentinels to a 10-5-1 overall record, and to a 6-1-1 record and second place in the Appalachian Mountain Athletic Conference.
Johnson, who played in 13 games, made 83 saves and allowed only 10 goals for an .892 save percentage, second-best in the area. He also had four shutouts.
His numbers alone made him a player of the year candidate. His leadership and toughness only solidified the coaches’ pick.
“Daniel was a co-captain and our number-one vocal leader,’’ said Hott. “With Daniel, our record was 9-3-1, and all three losses were by one goal, the last being on a penalty kick.
“His value to the team was priceless. We unquestionably played better with Daniel in the goal.”
Fort Hill went 8-1-1 in its first 10 games. Johnson and the defense allowed one goal or less in eight of the 10 games, with four being shutouts.
“Daniel was an extra fielder for us and we had him move up to a stopper role during games and many times he came up to the 40-yard line to thwart an attack and send the ball back to his teammates in the offensive end,’’ Hott said.
“He is great with his feet and could have been a very good forward.”
The Sentinels were in the thick of everything after those first 10 games. Then came the unlucky 11th, a City League game at Bishop Walsh.
Johnson, playing his aggressive style as usual, attempted to make a diving stop and collided with an attacking Bishop Walsh player. Both players were hurt on the play. Johnson suffered a broken jaw among other injuries after the opponent’s knee struck him squarely in the face.
With Johnson sidelined, the Sentinels lost two of their next three games.
“During those three games we gave up 12 goals. In the 12 games that Daniel played, he allowed only 10,’’ said Hott.
Johnson was feared lost for the season after the Oct. 9 injury. Determined to return, he ended up sidelined for less than a month — missing only the three games — and wore a molded facemask upon his return.
The Sentinels beat Boonsboro in a first-round playoff game before losing to Williamsport, 1-0.
Johnson also excels in the classroom and is eighth in a class of 200 with a 3.95 grade point average. He plans on majoring in nuclear engineering, and has been accepted at the University of Tennessee, Hott said.
“His best attribute is his character. Daniel is a special kid and a special player that does not come around very often,” he said. “His work ethic and dedication are unsurpassed. He was a joy to coach.”
For Dapper Dan Banquet ticket information, call The Original Sports Shoppe at (301) 722-5490.
Mike Mathews is a Cumberland Times-News sportswriter. Contact Mike Mathews at mmathews@times-news.com.
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