Johnson returns and sits

Goalkeeper Sean Johnson was released from the U.S. Men’s National Team following the 3-0 loss to Mexico at MetLife Stadium on Friday, and the initial expectation was that the 10-year MLS veteran would be in the XI against New England.

However, that was never Torrent’s plan and Brad Stuver made his fifth start of the season.

Torrent said prior to kickoff against New England that he and goalkeeper coach Rob Vartughian spoke to Johnson about the decision before he left for the national team.

“I told Sean that Brad is training every single day here, and I know what happens when you play with the national team – the focus is not the same — and we spoke with him about that,” Torrent said, adding that Johnson understood the reasoning. “100%, when we talked with him it’s not a problem. It happens in the top teams when the keepers play with the national team. If you have confidence with both, it’s the best way to show the team how important everybody is for me.”