Johnson open to Hogges call up
Goalkeeper Daniel Johnson hasn’t ruled out signing for Bermuda Hogges this season as he looks to maintain his sharpness ahead of potential overseas trials later this year.Johnson was hoping to grab his opportunity with United Soccer League (USL) professional side Harrisburg City Islanders after being invited back for a second trial last month.He was recommended to the Pennsylvania-based club by former Bermuda international David Bascome, who played for the Islanders in 2004.Johnson has spent the winter training with Bascome’s Baltimore Blast team in preparation for the upcoming outdoor season.While it didn’t work out for the Dandy Town shot stopper, he is hopeful of suiting up for the Hogges for the upcoming Premier Development League (PDL) season.“I may stay here and play PDL for my team in Bermuda,” said Johnson. “It will allow me to stay fit and be playing on a regular basis and get me ready to go back to Baltimore in October and try out again.”Johnson also had trials with a Chicago-based PDL team, although playing for the club would have presented issues for Johnson.“After Harrisburg I flew to Chicago and had a trial with a PDL team up there and they invited me back for preseason, but I’m not sure about going back,” said Johnson, who has played for Hogges in the past. “I’ll have to travel two hours just to get to practice and I don’t have a car to cut the time.“It will take me two hours on train and bus from where I’ll be staying which will be south side of Chicago, so all of these factors play into the decision.”Hogges have yet to announce their squad for the season, which kicks off at home against New Jersey on May 18.