SANTA CLARA, Calif. – With the U.S.'s 5-2 victory over Japan in the World Cup final on July 5, former Bronco Julie Johnston joined Brandi Chastain as the only two Santa Clara alums to win the Women's World Cup. Johnston was also one of eight finalists for the Golden Ball as the best player in the tournament.
"I am so grateful for the opportunity to play in a World Cup Final, and to win," said Johnston. "Wow! I am speechless. Thank you to the fans, my family, my teammates, my friends, the staff, the coaches, and anyone else who believed with us. It was a very hard road to get here yet that made this journey even more remarkable. Go USA!"
Johnston was one of just five U.S. players to play all 630 minutes. She helped anchor a backline that tied the record for most consecutive shutout minutes in a World Cup with 540. After conceding a goal in the opening game of the tournament, the U.S. defense didn't allow another goal until the 27th minute of the final, when they were already on top 4-0.
"Winning the World Cup is the ultimate accomplishment in our sport," said Santa Clara head coach Jerry Smith. "They are truly champions of the world! Selfishly, it was wonderful for me to be at the match and to spend time with Julie and many of the others players on the team I've had the pleasure of coaching over the years. As the 99ers did, this team has inspired a nation of young girls to dream big and to know that anything is possible."
Johnston also added two assists in her seven games. She sent a long ball into the box that was finished by Carli Lloyd for the United State's only goal in a 1-0 quarterfinal win over China. In the final she flicked a ball to Lloyd off a corner kick to put the U.S. up 2-0.
"We rejoice with Julie, Team USA, and our great country today," said Interim Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell. "This club captured the hearts of America and played brilliantly in its final two matches to claim a world championship! For Santa Clara, I couldn't be happier to have the University represented not only by Julie, but also by Assistant Athletic Director Leslie Osborne (class of 2005), Aly Wagner (class of 2003) and Danielle Slaton (class of 2002) for their exemplary performance as analysts and color commentators for FOX and FOX Sports 1 throughout the tournament."
