In a remarkable debut season, Kyle Johnson of Junction FC has been crowned the top goalscorer of the 2024 Gateway Conference, earning him the Ruben Mendoza Golden Boot Award. Johnson’s impressive tally of 8 goals not only secured his spot as the league’s top marksman but also highlighted his vital role in Junction FC’s first-ever season in the Midwest Premier League (MWPL).
Despite Junction FC finishing 7th in the league, Johnson’s goal-scoring prowess stood out, propelling his team to be one of the highest-scoring sides in the conference. His performance was instrumental in keeping Junction FC competitive throughout a season marked by first-year challenges and growth.
Reflecting on the season, Kyle Johnson expressed his gratitude and optimism for the future, saying, “Although we had some rough stretches, the season ended up going pretty well considering we were a first-year team. I appreciate all the work that coaches and administration did to even make this season possible for us. All my teammates were great players and were fun to play with, and of course, I wouldn’t have been the top goal scorer without them. Also, shoutout to my teammates and coaches at Wheaton College. Super excited to get going again this fall. Lastly, I thank God for blessing me with the ability to play soccer!”
Johnson’s achievement is even more impressive given the level of competition in the Gateway Conference this season. Following him closely in the top goalscorer rankings were a trio of Cedar Rapids Inferno players, each with 6 goals: Beni Mubake, Boris Dimitror, and Nico Galvez Ortiz. The Iowa-based team was the dominant force in the conference, finishing the season with just one loss in their final game.
Kyle Johnson’s outstanding debut in the MWPL has certainly made him a player to watch in the coming years. As Junction FC looks to build on their inaugural season, the young forward’s contribution will undoubtedly be important to their future success.