SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Continuing her spectacular World Cup, Julie Johnston has been named one of eight finalists for the adidas Golden Ball. The adidas Golden Ball will be awarded to the best player of the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015. The adidas Silver and Bronze Ball Awards will be presented to the second- and third-best players. Johnston is one of three Americans up for the honor, along with Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe.

"Once again we're so proud of Julie and what she's doing is unprecedented," said Santa Clara head coach Jerry Smith. "To be one of the finalists for player of the tournament is just incredible. This is not new territory for Julie. She would never bring this up but she won the Bronze Ball at the U-20 World Cup as she captained the winning team. For her to be in this rarified air at her age with so few caps is amazing. Julie is so deserving and we couldn't be more proud of how she is representing Santa Clara University."

Johnston took home the Bronze Ball in the 2012 U-20 World Cup when she was the captain of the victorious U.S. squad.

The U.S. takes on Japan Sun., July 5 at 4 p.m. in the World Cup final at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.

The Americans are looking for their third title and first since 1999 when former Bronco Brandi Chastain scored the final penalty kick to take down China. In 2011 Japan and the United States matched up to a 2-2 draw in the finals with Japan winning the penalty kicks 3-1.