Arizona’s Julie Johnston named player of match in latest soccer win

PHOENIX — The United States Women’s National Team is moving on to the knockout round of the World Cup, thanks in large part to Arizona native Julie Johnston.

The Mesa-born centerback has played every minute so far of the team’s three games and was named the player of the match Tuesday in the United States’ 1-0 win.

Congratulations to our #HometownHero @_JulieJohnston_ on her #PlayerOfTheMatch award last night!! #USAvNGA #USA pic.twitter.com/ZW7UEEAFZZ

— AO Phoenix (@AOPHX) June 17, 2015

During the game, Johnston made several keys plays — including stopping a breakaway — and scored a goal that was disallowed by a narrow offsides call. Fox’s rule specialist said the goal should have counted.

The U.S. finished first in its group and will play an undetermined third-place finisher at 5 p.m. Monday.

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