Chicago Red Stars' Julie Johnston voted NWSL rookie of the year

Chicago Red Stars defender Julie Johnston has been named the National Women's Soccer League's Rookie of the Year, the league announced on Friday. In addition to

Chicago Red Stars defender Julie Johnston has been named the National Women's Soccer League's Rookie of the Year, the league announced on Friday.

In addition to helping Chicago's defense allow just 1.08 goals per game this season, the 21-year-old Johnston scored two goals and recorded two assists over 21 games during the 2014 season.

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After starring at Santa Clara, where she was named a first-team All American in 2013, Johnston was selected third overall in the 2014 NWSL draft.

Johnson served as the captain for the U.S. women's team that won the 2012 U-20 World Cup and was one of 26 players named to the training camp roster for two U.S. women senior team matches against France in June.

A group of journalists, team officials and players voted on the award.

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- Chris Johnson