Johnston was born in Mississauga, before moving to Georgetown, when he was one year old.[1] There, he began playing soccer at age six with Georgetown SC.[1] At age thirteen, he and his family moved to Milton,[1] where he played for Milton YSC.[2] In 2017, he was named to the U18 Team Ontario for the 2017 Canada Summer Games.[3]
University career
In October 2018, he committed to attend Cape Breton University to play for the Cape Breton Capers for the fall of 2019.[4][5] During 2019, he was named Player of the Game twice — on September 15 in a 5–0 win over the Mount Allison Mounties and on September 22 in a 6–0 win over the Acadia Axemen.[6] In his rookie season, he won a bronze medal at the national championships[7] and he was named the AUS Rookie of the Year and was named to the All-Rookie Team.[6][8] After one season, he departed Cape Breton, opting to turn professional instead.[9]
At the 2019 CPL–U Sports Draft, Johnston was selected 10th overall by York9 FC (later renamed York United).[13][14] In July 2020, he signed his first professional contract with York.[15][16] 2021 was a breakout season for Johnston, as he became a regular starter, and was ranked the 27th best player in the Canadian Premier League at the end of the season.[17] Johnston scored his first goal for York on July 24, 2021 against FC Edmonton.[18][19] In 2021, he was nominated for the CPL Assist of the Year.[20] In November 2021, he signed an extension with the club.[21][22] On July 15, 2022, he recorded two assists in a match against Pacific FC.[23]
In late June 2024, Johnston joined USL Championship club Loudoun United FC on a transfer, signing a two-year contract with options for 2026 and 2027.[29] He made his debut on June 29, in a substitute appearance, against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.[30]
International career
In 2016, he made his debut in the Canadian youth program at age 14 at an identification camp for the Canada U15 team.[1] In May 2016, he was named to the Canada U15 Select squad for the Canada Soccer U-15 Showcase, facing the Toronto FC Academy, Montreal Impact Academy, and Vancouver Whitecaps Academy teams.[2]
