Wake Forest Alum Alistair Johnston Named to Canada’s 2022 World Cup Roster
11/13/2022 10:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
The former Demon Deacon captain has been a mainstay in Canada’s Starting XI heading into the World Cup.
CANADA -- Wake Forest men's soccer alum Alistair Johnston has been named to Canada Soccer's roster for the 2022 World Cup.
The 2022 World Cup will take place from Nov. 20-Dec. 18 in Qatar.
International Career
Johnston was first invited to the Canadian National Team January camp in 2021. Two months later, he earned his first career cap as a 69th-minute sub against Bermuda in the first round of 2022 World Cup Qualifying. He made his first career start in the next match against the Cayman Islands, where he scored and assisted in an 11-0 victory.
The Vancouver native has been a key piece in the emergence of the Canadian National Team. Most notably, Johnson led Canada to a first place finish in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. This booked just the second-ever World Cup appearance for Canada and first since 1986.
In 2021 he helped Canada to a semifinal appearance in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, as he set a new Canadian record for most matches played in a calendar year with 18.
Club Career
Following the completion of his Wake Forest career, Johnston became the second draft selection in Nashville SC history as he was picked No. 11 in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft.
During his rookie campaign, he made his official MLS debut against FC Dallas on Aug. 12 as a substitute. He earned his first career start – also against FC Dallas – one week later before leading the first-year club to the MLS Playoffs.
Johnston proceeded to build off of a successful debut performance the following season, as he made 26 appearances and 24 starts while notching his first career goal against Inter Miami.
In December 2021 Johnston was sent to CF Montreal where he spent the 2022 season. Montreal would finish second in the Eastern Conference following a 10th-place finish in 2021.
Individually, Johnston recorded a career-high four goals and five assists in 33 appearances. His nine goal contributions ranked sixth on the team and led all defensive players.
College Career
While at Wake Forest, Johnston recorded six goals and 10 assists over two seasons in Winston-Salem. After coming off the bench in all 21 matches his junior year, he started all 22 matches in the 2019 season, as the Demon Deacons earned a sixth College Cup appearance. That season, he earned All-ACC third-team and All-South Region first-team honors.
Johnston made the switch to fullback after his arrival at Wake Forest. Prior to his time in the Old Gold & Black, he spent two seasons at St. John's.
Canada will play three matches in Group F, first facing Belgium on Nov. 23 before also taking on Croatia on Nov. 27 and Morocco on Dec. 1.
