Chapter Forty-Four: Mr. Julie Johnston (with Katie Baker)

in 2015, en route to a third Women's World Cup victory, new stars emerged for the US Women's National Team. No one's profile was elevated more than Julie Johnston, who at the time went by Julie Johnston. The Santa Clara product had been a key part of the Youth National Team pools, but was on the fringes of the USWNT roster heading into the World Cup Qualifying cycles in 2014. Injuries opened the door, she impressed Jill Ellis and Johnston made her way to Canada with the team. She quickly emerged as a key part of the squad, anchoring the backline next to veteran Becky Sauerbrunn. With her blond ponytail, blue pre-wrap and propensity for biting tackles followed by a bright smile, fans quickly fell in love with Johnston. The more she gained popularity, the more fans craved information about the new star. They quickly learned that Johnston, was in a long-term relationship with emerging NFL star Zach Ertz -- a tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles. Just as USWNT fans fell in love with ...