Lasse Berg Johnsen
SKC
Center Midfielder
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Aug 18, 1999 (27)
Right
5'10"
161 lb
Return uncertain
Johnsen (hamstring) is "just starting to get integrated and is still questionable" ahead of Saturday's match against Austin FC, coach Raphael Wicky updated Thursday, per KC Soccer Journal.
Analysis: Johnsen could be back in action over the next few weeks, but a significant outing seems more viable after the game against Austin. He served as a regular starter in central midfield over a string of eight matches before getting hurt, contributing one assist in that span. His availability should eventually give the team a strong option for ball distribution in place of either Zorhan Bassong or Kwaku Agyabeng.
Out Wednesday
Johnsen (hamstring) is out for Wednesday's trip to Nashville, per the SKC Injury Report.
Analysis: Johnsen remains on the sideline for Wednesday's trip with a hamstring issue. He hasn't trained in the last week and is still working his way back to fitness. There's been no specific timeline on his return but it would be a surprise to see him fit for a Saturday clash on short rest.
Questionable against Portland
Johnsen (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Saturday's MLS clash against Portland Timbers, according to the league's official injury report.
Analysis: Johnsen remains uncertain for Saturday's encounter against Portland as he continues to deal with a hamstring injury. The midfielder was absent from Thursday's training session and had initially been expected to miss the match, but his questionable designation leaves the door open for a potential appearance. Having started 22 of his 23 MLS appearances this season, contributing one goal, one assist and over 1,200 passes, Johnsen has been a consistent presence in Sporting Kansas City's midfield. His availability could be determined closer to kickoff, although his lack of recent training raises doubts about his readiness to start.
Doesn't train Thursday
Johnsen (hamstring) wasn't spotted in training Thursday and is not expected to be an option for Saturday's game against the Timbers, according to Daniel Sperry of The Kansas City Star.
Analysis: Johnsen was one of several injured players who weren't seen in training Thursday, so he's likely to miss the match against Portland as well. The midfielder has been a regular starter for SKC all season, starting in all but one of his 23 appearances while scoring one goal, providing one assist and logging over 1,200 passes in a holding midfield role.
Could have injured hamstring
Johnsen could have injured his hamstring and was forced off in the 79th minute of Thursday's 2-1 loss to Seattle after going down without contact, according to Chad Smith of the KC Soccer Journal.
Analysis: Johnsen is unlikely to be available for Sporting KC's next match on Oct. 10 against Portland if the hamstring issue is confirmed. Johnsen had recently delivered his first MLS assist in the loss to Philadelphia, setting up Andre Luiz's opener, and this injury scare now interrupts a productive recent stretch that included one assits, two chances created and six crosses over his last three starts.
Provides first MLS assist
Johnsen had an assist with his lone chance created while crossing once inaccurately during Saturday's 4-3 loss to Philadelphia.
Analysis: Johnsen set up Andre Luiz in the 5th minute assisting the opening goal of the match. It was Johnsen's first assist in MLS as he's combined for two chances created, a shot and seven crosses over his last three starts.
Set to return
Johnsen has served his one match suspension and will be an option for the clash with St Louis on Wednesday.
Analysis: Johnsen is expected to return to SKC's starting XI after missing the last match due to suspension. He had started 10 straight games in midfield before the ban, contributing 29 crosses, 11 chances created, 15 tackles, plus six clearances and one block.
Sent off Saturday
Johnsen was sent off during the first half of Saturday's 2-0 loss to Houston Dynamo.
Analysis: Johnsen saw his consistent fouling lead to a second yellow card before halftime against Houston. This means the midfielder will be suspended for the next clash against Colorado Rapids, so his next chance to produce will come in a subsequent fixture versus St. Louis. His place in the initial lineup could be covered by either Manu Garcia, who was surprisingly used as a substitute Saturday, or Jacob Bartlett.
Whips in five crosses
Johnsen had five crosses (one accurate) and five corners in Thursday's 3-2 defeat against St. Louis City SC.
Analysis: Johnsen was back in his starting role for Kansas City following the break, with the midfielder recording a solid one chance created and five crosses. He has been seeing a high volume of crosses over the past few games, as he has now had four or more in his past four appearances. However, he only has one goal contribution all season, earning a goal against the LA Galaxy on March 15.
10 crosses Saturday
Johnsen generated one shot (one on goal), 10 crosses (two accurate) and six corners in Saturday's 2-1 victory against Austin FC.
Analysis: Johnsen recorded a season-high 10 crosses Saturday, doubling his previous record. He also set season highs in corners (six) and chances created (three), in addition to recording his first shot on target of the season, so needless to say it was his best attacking performance of the season thus far. He'll look to keep that momentum going Saturday versus New York Red Bulls, the final match before the two-month break for the World Cup.
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