‘Caps Add Levonte Johnson For Cup Match Against York United

Levonte Johnson looks to be suiting up in front of friends and family when the Vancouver Whitecaps march in to the GTA.

The Whitecaps FC 2 forward has signed a short-term agreement for the first team ahead of tomorrow evening’s Canadian Championship quarter-final against York United, with head coach Vanni Sartini now calling upon the MLS NEXT Pro striker for the second time.

Johnson’s prior first team call-up saw him ride the bench for the club’s away match against CD Espana. He’s featured in six of WFC2’s seven matches, recording a team-high three goals while also registering an assist.

The knockout cup match will be a big opportunity for Johnson to impress should he be called upon: while the ‘Caps have never marched into York Lions Stadium before, last year saw the reverse fixture end in a narrow 2-1 contest out west.

York United has hosted Major League Soccer competition just once before, with the club’s tournament debut seeing them record a 2-2 draw against CF Montreal, eventually bowing out on aggregate following the away tie.

A potential first team debut for Johnson with friends and family in the stands would be a beautiful moment, though he’ll be more focused on helping the favourites – and current trophy holders – secure a result.

Johnson was selected by the Whitecaps 29th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, arriving on a high note after helping Syracuse University to its first-ever NCAA National Championship. The Brampton-born forward was a key element to the ‘Cuse attack, contributing ten goals and six assists.

Before all that, his first steps towards professional football saw him suit up in League1 Ontario for Master’s FA, while also having spent time with the Portland Timbers U-23, Eastern Florida State, Salt Lake Community College, and Seattle University.

Johnson’s story will sound familiar to at least one member of York United: Matthew Baldisimo had himself signed a short-term deal with the ‘Caps for a Canadian Championship bout back in 2017. Now the Vancouver native – who already helped the team knock Vancouver FC out of the competition last month – will hope to do the same to the next batch of BC-based visitors.

The Canadian Championship quarter-final between York United and the Vancouver Whitecaps will kick off at 7:30PM EST on Wednesday, May 10.