Next level: Former Nikiski grad to play Div. I soccer College Cup

Next level: Former Nikiski grad to play Div. I soccer College Cup

Nikiski’s Rachel Johnson (formerly Thompson) took another step in her soccer career as a collegiate goaltender after being announced to the College Cup team roster for Washington State University.

The College Cup is the premier national championship for Division I soccer, and Washington State is among the final four teams, which also feature UCLA, Stanford and North Carolina.

The Cougars (16-6-1) advanced to the final four with a tense 1-0 overtime win over South Carolina on Friday. Washington State will face North Carolina (23-1-1) Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. (AKST) for a chance to make the national title game.

Johnson, a 2015 Nikiski grad, has seen action in four games this year as a redshirt senior, giving up two goals in 101 minutes of action with three saves. Last year, Johnson made 15 starts and played over 1,150 minutes for the Cougars with a 0.724 save percentage.

More in Sports

Kenai Central's Emma Beck attacks against Seward's Mikinley Williams and Robin Cronin on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Central’s Tracie, Emma Beck get national volleyball recognition

Tracie Beck, the head coach of the Kenai Central volleyball team, and… Continue reading

Allie Ostrander is presented her award by Stacia Rustad at the Alaska High School Hall of Fame's Class of 2023 induction ceremony on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at The Lakefront Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. (Screenshot)
Former local prep stars Ostrander, Seavey selected for Alaska Sports Hall of Fame

The Alaska Sports Hall of Fame announced this week that former Kenai… Continue reading

tease
SoHi, Kenai hockey take losses on road

The host Palmer hockey team defeated Soldotna on Thursday in Northern Lights… Continue reading

Kenai Central High School Esports players Landon Dubber and Blake Gillis play against one another in the Alaska Fall 2023 semifinals for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Esports: Kenai advances to state final

In the first week of playoffs for fall esports in Alaska, Soldotna… Continue reading

tease
Years of Homer ‘Nutcracker’ magic

I am in the back row of “Nutcracker 2023” warmups on the… Continue reading

Kenai's Jason Parks, running on Kalifornsky Beach Road in Kenai, Alaska, wins the Kenai River Marathon on Sept. 28, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Parks, Deal post top-200 finishes at California International Marathon

Jason Parks, 35, of Kenai, finished 120th among men and 121st overall… Continue reading

tease
SoHi girls, boys wrestlers take 2nd at Grace as local squads tune up for conference tourneys

The Soldotna girls and boys wrestling teams each finished second at the… Continue reading

tease
Weekend prep hockey: SoHi takes 2 in Kodiak; Kards win twice at home

The visiting Soldotna hockey team defeated Kodiak 7-0 on Friday and 7-1… Continue reading

Most Read