Over the course of the history of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a number of players who have played for the club at one point or another have also represented their country at the FIFA World Cup. As we approach the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, every day we will feature a player of years’ past who made it to soccer’s pinnacle event.
WILLIE JOHNSTON
‘Wee’ Willie Johnston played for the Whitecaps in two stints, in 1979 and 1982. He originally came up through the Rangers youth system and played two different runs for his hometown club, first to start his career from 1964 until 1972, and then again from 1980 until 1982. Other notable stops included eight years at West Brom Albion, two on loan from the 'Caps to Birmingham City, and four with Hearts.
For club
Johnston was a fixture in the lineup when he first joined the Whitecaps for the famed 1979 season, making 41 appearances and scoring three goals. He was known as much for his entertaining personality, memorably swigging a beer before taking a corner kick that led to a winning goal in San Jose, and also mooning rivals Seattle Sounders during a shootout win.
Following the ’79 season, Johnston was loaned to Birmingham City before returning to Rangers. However he came back to the ‘Caps again for the 1982 season. He sits tied for 20th in ‘Caps history with 19 assists.
For country
The Scotsman made 22 appearances for his country. In 1978, he was named to Scotland’s roster for the FIFA World Cup in Argentina. He would go on to start the opening match against Peru before being ruled to have taken a banned substance which ended his time at the tournament.
FUN FACT: Willie Johnston returned to Vancouver in 2014 as part of the ‘Caps 40th anniversary celebrations.
