EDMONTON, Alberta — After leading the United States to the women’s under-20 world soccer championship in 2012, Julie Johnston met Christie Rampone, a fellow center back and the longtime captain of the senior national team.
“You’ll be here,” Rampone told Johnston at a training session of senior players in Arizona.
Johnston laughed.
“Maybe one day,” she said.
Rampone sensed the uncertainty in Johnston’s voice.
“Don’t doubt yourself,” Rampone said in a mentoring moment caught on videotape.
Johnston always answered with a reflexive “yes” when asked if she dreamed of playing in the World Cup.