Johnson makes her mark in World Cup opener

MONTPELLIER, France – Former Kansas soccer star Estelle Johnson saw action in Cameroon’s Group E match versus Canada at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Monday evening inside Stade de la Moss. Johnson started the match and played the full 90 minutes as a central defender. The Cameroonians dropped the opener to the Canadians, 1-0.

Johnson, who was born in Cameroon before moving to Fort Collins, Colorado, earned her third-career start for her nation’s senior team. She played all 90 minutes and helped the Cameroon defense hold Canada to just four shots on target. Canada’s lone goal came off a corner kick set piece just before halftime.

Johnson appeared in 85 games for the Jayhawks from 2006-09. She was a multiple time All-Region performer for the Jayhawks, anchoring some of the top defenses in program history. After her days in Lawrence, Johnson began what has turned into an impressive professional career, seeing time with a handful of professional squads in the U.S. She is currently a member of the NWSL’s Sky Blue FC in Howell, New Jersey.

Monday’s loss dropped Cameroon to 0-1-0 in group play with matches against Netherlands (June 15) and New Zealand (June 20) on the horizon. The Cameroonians kickoff against Netherlands inside Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes on Saturday at 8 a.m. (CT).