SANTA CLARA, Calif. - With the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup just two months away, U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach Jill Ellis has named former Santa Clara star Julie Johnston and 22 other women to the final list of participants that will be representing the red, white and blue in Canada this summer.

"The highest honor for any soccer player is representing their country in the World Cup and Julie has been chosen to represent the United States team this summer," said Santa Clara Head Coach Jerry Smith. "I have no doubt, given the opportunity, she'll be a difference maker just as she was when the captained the U.S. team in the U-20 World Cup."

Johnston, just 23 years old and one year removed from her college graduation, is listed as a defender, a position where she has been playing consistently for the American squad during World Cup tune-up matches.

The former All-American is no stranger to playing on the highest stage. Starting and playing several minutes in the most recent American matches, Johnston has provided a solid defensive effort in the backline as well as a poaching mentality during goal scoring opportunities. Prior to her recent successes, Johnston captained the U-20 team to a World Cup championship in 2012.

Beginning on June 8, the Americans will kick-off the World Cup with a Group D match against Australia. Four days later, they will challenge Sweden before rounding out group play against Nigeria on June 16.

Before World Cup action begins, the American squad will continue to play tune-up matches across the nation, including a match against the Republic of Ireland to be played at Avaya Stadium in neighboring San Jose, Calif. on May 10.