Demon Deacons Xtra: Men’s Soccer Alums Mark McKenzie and Alistair Johnston Called Up to Copa America Squads
6/18/2024 9:09:00 AM | Men's Soccer
McKenzie was named to the US Men's National Team while Johnston will represent Canada at the 2024 Copa America played in the United States.
UNITED STATES – Wake Forest men's soccer alums Mark McKenzie and Alistair Johnston were both named to their respective national teams ahead of the 2024 Copa America, being played in the United States from June 20-July 14.
McKenzie was named to the United States Men's National Team as part of the 26-man squad, while Johnston earned a call up to the Canadian Men's National Team.
McKenzie recently finished his third season with Belgian Jupiler Pro League side KRC Genk, where he played in 32 games and recorded two assists as a defender. He has made 13 appearances for the USMNT, with his last cap coming against Oman last September.
Johnston, who played in 32 games for Celtic and helped lead the team to a double with the Scottish Premiership Trophy and the Scottish Cup, has become a staple for the Canadian Men's National team.
During his international career, Johnston has made 42 appearances and tallied one goal while becoming their go-to right back. Johnston has also started Canada's last four matches, including a recent cleansheet draw against France earlier this month.
Both McKenzie and Johnston were both major contributors to the Demon Deacons and their recent run of consistent success.
McKenzie played for the Demon Deacons in 2017, appearing in 16 games and earning five starts before playing professionally with the Philadelphia Union in 2018. Johnston played in 43 games and scored six goals from 2018-19 and was a team captain on the 2019 College Cup team before being drafted by Nashville SC in 2020.
McKenzie and the USMNT will begin Copa America group play on Sunday, June 23 against Bolivia. The USMNT will then go up against Panama on June 27 before wrapping up the group stage against Uruguay on July 1.
Johnston and Canada will play in the opening match of the Copa America against Lionel Messi and defending World Cup and Copa America champions Argentina on June 20 before facing Peru on June 25. Canada will finish group matches on June 29 against Chile.
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