Go, girl! Arizona’s Julie Johnston named to World Cup All-Star Squad
Aug 19, 2015, 2:42 PM | Updated: 8:37 pm
PHOENIX — Defender Julie Johnston, who grew up in Mesa, was one of five Americans named to the FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star Squad on Tuesday.
Johnston, the second-youngest player on the American team, received accolades throughout the team’s World Cup-winning run.
She didn’t miss a single minute and was named the player of the match in the 1-0 win over Nigeria. During that game, Johnston made several keys plays — including stopping a breakaway — and scored a goal that was disallowed by a narrow offsides call. Fox TV’s rule specialist said the goal should have counted.
The 23-year-old centerback contributed two assists in the tournament — one of which helped the team defeat China in the knockout round and the other that gave the team a 2-0 lead over Japan in the final.
Despite attending Dobson High School, Johnston never played for the school’s team. She — along with fellow World Cup-winner Sydney Leroux — played for Sereno Soccer Club.
The other four American women named to the team were goalkeeper Hope Solo, defender Meghan Klingenberg and midfielders Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe.
Lloyd, who scored six goals in the World Cup — three in the final — was named the tournament’s best overall player.
