In this edition of 'Quality Time' presented by GE Appliances, Vancouver Whitecaps FC's most recent signing Levonte Johnson shares how he came about his goal celebration in the 2023 Canadian Championship, his first impressions of being with the first team, and some insights into his future goals.
The Thierry Henry corner flag celebration was my phone lock screen before the game and as I scored, I didn’t know what to do, and then I just remembered my lock screen for some reason, so I was like ‘I’ll do the corner flag’ so that’s how that happened.
What has been your favourite moment so far with the club?
My first goal with the first team. The Thierry Henry corner flag celebration was my phone lock screen before the game and as I scored, I didn’t know what to do, and then I just remembered my lock screen for some reason, so I was like ‘I’ll do the corner flag’ so that’s how that happened.
Who has been the biggest mentor in your career so far?
My dad is one of them, he watches every game, texts me after every game and tells me how I’m performing ever since I was a kid. I remember there was a Pelé video, this was when I was 10, maybe 8, and the video was about how to strike the ball. We’d watch it and then we’d go into the basement and we were practicing that technique on how to strike the ball, so I remember those early moments going in the basement, dribbling around cones, stuff like that. Then as I got older and took my professional path, Jeff Valcius, who works with Future Stars, guided me here pretty much.
What is it like to play at BC Place?
It’s special. It’s nice, I like playing here a lot. Especially, when there’s a lot of fans, the games I’ve played there with the first team, the Canadian Championship Final, there was a lot of fans and then Seattle, the Cascadia derby, there was also a lot of fans. It’s nice when they get behind you, the crowd’s roaring, it’s one of the biggest stadiums I’ve played in with the number of fans there so I’m always grateful when I get the chance to play there.
How would you describe your journey with the club so far?
The journey has been amazing, I'd say. I’ve got to meet a lot of amazing people, new people, and experience different environments that I wouldn't have exposed myself to if it wasn’t for soccer. Just thinking back on the journey now, I’m getting goose bumps thinking of going from Syracuse that one season and now being here.
What are your goals for both the team as a collective and then for yourself personally?
Hopefully we can go as far as possible in the Leagues Cup. It’s the first time the tournament is being played, so it would be great to be the ones who won it for the very first time. I like that it’s a competition between Liga MX and MLS, so hopefully an MLS side can win it the first time. Beyond that it would be great for us to not only qualify for the playoffs but do so with a higher seed for the home advantage in the playoffs. Then individually I would like to just keep getting appearances and hopefully continue to score goals that will help the team out.
What’s it being like starting with WFC2 and then moving up to the first team?
I think they are very different teams working with. When i look at the coaches, Ricardo is a very calm and relaxed guy whilst with Vanni he is more outgoing and vocal, so it's two very different personalities. But their coaching is both, at a very high standard. I’ve enjoyed playing under both. With the second team, I was with them for longer than the first team now, so I guess I have a bit more chemistry with that group than the first team right now, but I'm building that chemistry training with them every day now. It’s been enjoyable to get to play for both teams and the staff has been very welcoming, it truly feels like a family at the Whitecaps.
What is one thing you haven’t done in Vancouver yet, but would like to do soon?
I would love to go to Whistler to ski and snowboard, but beyond that I would like to spend more time around the water, go kayaking, try out the seaplane tours and overall, more adventurous, outdoorsy things.
What is one thing outside of football you are really interested in?
Honestly, I recently started to get a lot into psychology books, to see how your mind works and stuff like that, but my main hobby probably must be video games.
Who’s one celebrity you’d most like to meet?
Heung-Min Son. Yeah, it's not that I’m a Tottenham fan, but yeah, I like him as a person and I feel like he's a really good professional.
What’s your favourite genre of music?
Rap, hip/hop, and R&B.
Who’s your favourite music artist?
Right now, Gunna.
What’s your favourite movie?
Like Mike.
