VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has signed Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) forward Levonte Johnson to an MLS short-term agreement for Wednesday's Canadian Championship semifinal match against Pacific FC, as well as Saturday’s MLS regular season game at St. Louis CITY SC.
This marks Johnson’s third of a possible four 2023 MLS short-term agreements with the first team. Johnson’s first call-up came in March for the club's road match against Real C.D. España in Concacaf Champions League action, while his second came earlier this month for the club’s Canadian Championship quarterfinal match at York United FC. The native of Brampton, Ontario made his first team debut as a second half substitute and scored in the 88th minute - the club’s second MLS NEXT Pro product to score on his first team debut following Simon Becher in 2022.
Whitecaps FC forward Levonte Johnson
- Spent 2023 preseason with Whitecaps FC first team, making four appearances
- Scored on first team debut against York United FC on May 10
- Tied for most goals on Whitecaps FC 2 this season with four
Johnson, 24, was selected 29th overall by Whitecaps FC in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft from Syracuse University and spent the entire preseason with the ‘Caps first team, making four appearances. In February, the native of Brampton, Ontario signed with WFC2 and has gone on to start all eight of his appearances for the side, sitting tied for the most goals on the team with four while also registering an assist.
Johnson scored 11 goals and added six assists across 25 starts for Syracuse this past season, helping the side win the NCAA Division I National Championship. Johnson was one of three MAC Hermann Trophy finalists and was named to the United Soccer Coaches First Team All-America, All-ACC First Team, and All-South Region First Team.
Prior to joining Syracuse, Johnson recorded nine goals, eight assists in 20 starts and 22 appearances with Seattle University in 2021. Johnston previously spent time with Salt Lake Community College in his sophomore year, starting 16 of his 18 appearances and recording 11 goals as well as 10 assists. In his freshman year, the forward added 10 goals and four assists for Eastern Florida State College.
In addition, Johnson also played for Portland Timbers U-23 in USL League Two in 2021, tallying a goal in seven appearances.
Johnson becomes the first WFC2 player to sign three MLS short-term agreements with the first team this season.
TRANSACTION: On May 23, 2023, Whitecaps FC sign forward Levonte Johnson to an MLS short-term agreement.
Levonte Johnson
Position: Forward
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175 pounds
Date of Birth: March 15, 1999 in Brampton, Ontario
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
Citizenship: Canada
Status: Domestic
University: Syracuse University, Seattle University, Salt Lake Community College, Eastern Florida College
High School: David Suzuki Secondary School
Former Club: Portland Timbers U-23
Instagram: @levontee__
Twitter: @LevontaeJohnson_
