Young star Kahli Johnson will return to Western United for the 2023/24 Liberty A-League Women season after putting pen to paper on a new deal for the upcoming campaign.
The 19-year-old joined the Club from Sydney FC and became a key part of Mark Torcaso’s inaugural United side, featuring in 17 matches and winning the team’s Young Player of the Season award alongside Alana Cerne.
Johnson has just completed a camp with the Young Matildas where she played a starring role, scoring three goals in two starts to help the side qualify for the 2024 AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup.
Upon confirming her place in next season’s squad, Johnson said she was pleased to remain in Green and Black and take the next step in her career.
“I’m very happy to be re-signing with Western United for the upcoming season. This past season was such a great opportunity for me to get some game time and really develop as a player, and I’m excited to continue to do that next season,” she said.
“I’m very keen to keep being successful here. I think last season was an awesome starting point for us and I can’t wait to keep growing and achieving more with the team.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said Johnson’s quality and potential was cause for great excitement in the Club’s women’s program.
“Kahli had a tremendous breakout season for us in 2022/23 and we are delighted to retain her for the following campaign,” he said.
“In addition to her obvious talent on the pitch, we have been thoroughly impressed by her mentality, work ethic and her eagerness to continue to learn and improve as a footballer and as a person.
“That is reflected in her impact on the group and her regular opportunities with the national team, and we are eager to watch her continue to progress over the coming season.”
Johnson relished the increased minutes after joining from Sydney FC, starting 11 matches, scoring her first two professional goals and even assisting Hannah Keane’s Semi-Final winner against her former side.
As well as consistent appearances for the Young Matildas, Johnson was also called into a training camp with the Australian Under 23’s side and the upcoming Future Matildas scholarship program.
Johnson will now look to take her game to another level again as United seeks to follow up its magical debut season in the Liberty A-League.
