PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC have acquired the rights to defender Kendall Johnson from Sky Blue FC in exchange for the 25th and 34th overall selections in the 2015 National Women’s Soccer League College Draft, it was announced today.
A native of Portland and former University of Portland standout, Johnson, 23, appeared in 15 matches (12 starts) for Sky Blue FC during the 2014 regular season, her second season with the team. The 12th overall pick in the 2013 NWSL College Draft, Johnson started all 22 matches and recorded two assists during her rookie season for Sky Blue FC. Following the 2014 NWSL season, Johnson signed with the Western Sydney Wanderers of the Australian W-League, appearing in seven matches (all starts) for the club.
“Kendall is a great local product who is a proven starter in the league,” said Thorns FC head coach Paul Riley. “She is quick, delivers excellent passes from the flanks and has the ability to play both sides of the ball. We expect our fullbacks to be a major focal point of our attack and she fits that mold. She has developed considerably over the last 12 months and she is ecstatic to come home and play in front of the best fans in the land.”
Johnson was part of the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team pool in 2013 and was a member of the U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team that won the 2010 CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championship and competed at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany. During the tournament, Johnson started and played the full 90 minutes in all four matches for the United States.
Johnson played three seasons at the University of Portland (2009-10, 2012), appearing in 56 career matches (49 starts) for the Pilots. A three-time All-West Coast Conference selection, Johnson helped guide Portland to the NCAA Tournament in 2009, 2010 and 2012. During her final season in 2012 she was named WCC Defensive Player of the Year and earned NSCAA All-West Region honors. Johnson prepped at Lincoln High School, just steps away from Providence Park.
Kendall Johnson
Position: Defender
Height: 5-5
Born: April 24, 1991 in Portland, Ore.
Hometown: Portland, Ore.
Last Club: Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia)
College: Univ. of Portland
Citizenship: United States
