Candace Johnson Selected by Chicago Red Stars in NWSL College Draft
1/15/2016 2:43:00 PM | Soccer
Johnson, a 2015 All-SEC first team selection, concluded her Tiger career in November
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Former Mizzou soccer player Candace Johnson (Dallas, Texas) was drafted in the fourth round (36th overall) of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft by the Chicago Red Stars on Friday, Jan. 15. Johnson concluded her decorated Tiger career in November.
Johnson's selection marks the third consecutive season a Mizzou player was selected in the NWSL College Draft, joining Kaysie Clark (2015) and Dominique Richardson (2014). Additionally, former Tiger Kat Tarr played for the Portland Thorns after a four-season stint in the Frauen Bundesliga in Germany.
"We're excited for Candace and her new career with the Red Stars in the NWSL," Head Coach Bryan Blitz said. "She's worked hard to get to this point and it is great to see all her hard work pay off."
A defender, Johnson claimed NSCAA All-South Region second team and All-SEC first team honors in 2015. As a senior this past season, Johnson played every minute and anchored a Tiger defense that set a program record for fewest goals allowed in a season (17) and ranked second all-time in Tiger history in goals against average (0.84), both of which led the Southeastern Conference. On the offensive end, Johnson tallied two goals and two assists for a career high six points.
In her four year career, Johnson started 79 of the 80 games she played at center back, while playing every minute of 74 of those matches. She compiled six goals and two assists for 14 points.
The NWSL is a 10-team Division-I women's professional soccer league featuring national team players from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. The nine clubs are the Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, FC Kansas City, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Seattle Reign FC, Sky Blue FC, Washington Spirit and the Western New York Flash.
