Katie Johnson was close to home last season with San Diego Wave FC.
This season, she’s made it home.
Johnson, a Monrovia resident and a Flintridge Sacred Heart and USC grad, signed a two-year contract with Angel City FC in January.
“I think the ultimate decision did come down to feeling like this is the later part of my career and this is an opportunity that I’ve wanted my entire life to play at home in front of my family and friends,” Johnson said. “To have that opportunity given to me, I wanted to take advantage of it, so that was the main reason behind coming (to Angel City).”
Johnson was a free agent after last season, part of the first free agency class in the NWSL.
“I thought San Diego would be close (to home), but if I could get any closer to L.A. and be here, then I can’t complain,” she said.
Johnson and Angel City will continue preparation for the 2023 season with their preseason home debut Wednesday against Club America at BMO Stadium (7 p.m., Bally Sports West).
“One thing that’s really impressed me has been the camaraderie of the group,” Johnson said. “It does feel very unified and together and it was been special to feel that.”
Johnson, who also has dual citizenship with a Mexican mother, made her Mexican national team debut in 2015.
Johnson played four seasons at USC and helped the Trojans to the 2016 NCAA national championship. She was a first-round selection by the Seattle Reign in 2017. She’s also played with Sky Blue FC, Chicago Red Stars and last season with Wave FC. Johnson appeared in 15 games last season (701 minutes).
Johnson has spent the majority of his professional career as a forward, but shifted into the midfield last season with Wave FC.
“It’s been great to see her come in, she looks great, she looks comfortable, she looks relaxed,” ACFC coach Freya Coombe said of Johnson. “She competing well and I think she’s ready to go and we anticipate her being ready to play her part.”
This is Angel…
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