Today Angel City announced the signing of Katie Johnson from San Diego Wave FC. Johnson, an LA native who has 23 caps and eight goals for Mexico, has played both as a forward and a midfielder over the course of her NWSL career. We spoke with Johnson just before her move back to LA.
Angel City FC: You grew up in Monrovia and played your college soccer at USC—then your NWSL career took you to Seattle, New Jersey, and Chicago, before your move to San Diego last year. How does it feel to be moving back home?
Katie Johnson: I'm so excited. I haven't told a lot of my friends—I'm letting you guys announce it and then I'll be like, 'Yeah, I'm going!' But I think they're all going to be really excited to come to all the games and see me. Even San Diego was a little bit too far. So to see my family and friends every weekend is going to be really special.
ACFC: What's exciting about coming to Angel City?
KJ: I think I'm most excited for the gameday atmosphere. Last year I came to a game to watch Chicago play Angel City as a fan, and I was feeling like a fan myself! It was just a really cool environment. I'm most excited for playing in that stadium and feeling the environment and feeling the community that has already grown in one year. I think it's going to be more special in year two.
ACFC: You've mostly played as a forward throughout your pro career, but last year you moved into the midfield later in the season. What was that transition like? Are you more comfortable in one position or the other?
KJ: I think I've shown throughout my years in the league that I'm pretty adaptable in where I can play on the field. I can play in different positions and I just want to help the team win and do well. I enjoy playing forward and I enjoy playing in the midfield.
ACFC: What do you want to accomplish at Angel City?
KJ: I think like anyone, I want bring championships and trophies to Angel City and to LA. I feel like I've had pretty good success at home in LA, in high school and in college at USC—so to hopefully bring one to Angel City would be a big accomplishment for me.
ACFC: You were eligible to play internationally for both the US and Mexico, and you ended up playing for Mexico. What went into that decision, and how does it feel getting to represent that part of your heritage?
KJ: When I was playing in college, after I did my ACL for the second time, I had to think about what I wanted to do, what my goals were. And one of them is to play in a World Cup or an Olympics. I had my dual citizenship, because my mom is Mexican. So we talked about it and I just felt like, I had this opportunity to play for Mexico, and that's something a lot of people don't have.
So I took that chance and it's probably one of the best experiences I've ever had—playing with Mexico and kind of putting myself in an uncomfortable situation. I really enjoyed that process and I feel like I have a little sense of pride with Mexico and the culture because of that.
ACFC: The last one is a tough one. If you were if you were a baseball player, what would your walk-up song be?
KJ: Oh, man, I've thought about this so much... I think I have to go with 'Can't Get you out of my Head' by Kylie Minogue.
