SOCCER: JOHNSON STARS FOR U.S. U.S. 4, GUATEMALA 0.

Byline: Daily News Staff and Wire Services

FRISCO, Texas - Eddie Johnson got what he wanted Sunday: his first international goal in nearly a year and a parting shot toward the team that just traded him.

Still bitter after being dealt last week to Kansas City by FC Dallas, Johnson scored his first goal with the U.S. national team since March as the Americans routed Guatemala 4-0, its third successive victory in World Cup warmups.

``I couldn't ask for anything else but to score a goal,'' said Johnson, who spent five years with FC Dallas. ``It made me feel good about myself. It's kind of a slap back in their face, saying 'Why are you trading me?' ''

Chris Klein added a goal and two assists - setting up Ben Olsen and Brian Ching for first-half strikes - as the United States dominated their CONCACAF rival in 33-degree weather in front of 14,453 at Pizza Hut Park.

Johnson, who came on at halftime, scored just 62 seconds into the second half, splitting two defenders following a Guatemala breakdown and flicking the ball over goalkeeper Ricardo Jerez. The goal was Johnson's ninth in 12 international appearances.

Johnson, considered the Americans' deadliest striker, missed most of last year with a toe injury and suffered a calf injury in his return to the national team last month against Canada.

``I thought he's had a tough go at it,'' said U.S. coach Bruce Arena, who figures to use a Europe-based lineup against Poland on March 1 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. ``But I think you see today he's a player with a really great upside. We're going to move him around as best we can and put him in a position to make the World Cup roster.''

Added Johnson: ``Right now, it's about me getting my form. I think I feel fine. My toe is 100 percent healthy.''

Olsen scored a sizzling, 25-yard goal in the 38th minute on a half-volley, and Ching, apparently contending with Taylor Twellman for a roster spot, made it 2-0 seconds into first-half stoppage time. Klein scored in the 71st minute after a deflected shot off an Olsen free kick.

Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan had little to do in his first U.S. appearance, and D.C. United defender Bobby Boswell also made his international debut.

The U.S. was without players from the Galaxy (including Landon Donovan and Todd Dunivant) and New England (including Twellman, Clint Dempsey and Pat Noonan), who are preparing for CONCACAF Champions Cup matches this week.

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

Eddie Johnson scored his first goal with the U.S. national team since March in its win Sunday.

AFP/Getty Images