Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Defender Julie Johnston emerges as scorer for World Cup team

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Brandi Chastain, wearing a U.S. Julie Johnston No. 19 jersey, eagerly waited her turn for an autograph from the emerging American the World Cup star helped develop right up the street at Santa Clara University.

The 23-year-old Johnston offers a rare combination: She's a central defender with a knack for finding the net. Johnston returned to her old college stomping grounds and scored another goal for the Americans in their lead up to the Women's World Cup next month in Canada.

She connected on a leaping one-touch goal off Lauren Holiday's corner in the 54th minute of a 3-0 victory against Ireland on Sunday in a send-off match for the Americans.