Julie Johnston and Alex Morgan obviously play completely different positions, but there are striking similarities in their career arcs. Morgan was an unknown entering the 2011 World Cup. Because of her youth, she was not expected to play a leading role on the U.S. Women’s National Team.
She defied expectations however, and scored timely goals that helped propel the USWNT to their deep run to the tournament title game. Alex Morgan became a household name among sports figures following that World Cup.
With group play concluded and the knockout round imminent, Julie Johnston may be on a similar path.
When the tournament began, we profiled Johnston as one of the team’s key players but also an underrated figure. After three games, we’ve heard enough plaudits that she may now be “rated” instead of underrated. Soccer pundits on all networks have called her a “rock star.” Game analysts Tony DiCicco and Cat Whitehill praised Johnston extensively in the past two games.
FOX Sports’ Leslie Osborne on the state of the USWNT after they won the group:
“Another solid performance from the backline and Hope Solo. Julie Johnston: beast mode. She’s coming up huge for this team. It can only get better from here. They have to score more goals and execute in the attacking third.”
Alexi Lalas on his “player to watch” for the Round of 16:
“For me it’s Julie Johnston. If this U.S. team is going to win the World Cup, it’s through defense. She has been an absolute rock. If I was still playing, it would be a privilege and an honor to play next to her.”
In two of the three games, Johnston has drawn the best individual player ratings from most World Cup pundits.
Of course, it will be somewhat challenging for Julie Johnston to have an Alex Morgan like boost in Q rating and visibility; but only because of the position she plays. Solid defending, clear-outs and crisp passing isn’t as exciting or as obvious as scoring goals. Players in the attack who put points on the board grab the headlines.
Julie Johnston’s contributions are just as important; albeit not as overt.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports Digital. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous sports talk radio stations all across the country.
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