Former Baker University soccer star Marty Johnston returned to Baldwin City Aug. 30 for the ‘Cats home opener against Kansas Wesleyan University at Liston Stadium.

Johnston was honored by head coach Alan Koch, the Baker men’s soccer team and the Wildcat fans for his Baker career and his recent accomplishments in professional soccer.

Johnston and his team, the Harrisburg City Islanders, took the United Soccer League 2nd Division title Aug. 25 in Richmond, Va., when they defeated the Richmond Kickers in dramatic fashion.

After 120 minutes of play and the score knotted 1-1, the two teams entered what would be a memorable nine-round penalty kick shootout.

Johnston did his part in the shootout as he sent his penalty kick passed the Kickers’ goalkeeper. The Islanders went on to win the shootout 8-7 along with the USL crown.

Fox Soccer Network broadcasted the game nationally.

Johnston, a forward from Leawood and a Blue Valley North graduate, ranks fourth all-time in goals scored at Baker as he netted 53 goals during his Wildcat career.

Koch said Johnston’s contributions to the program were evident when he went down with an injury during training camp his senior year.

“For me, the most glaring example of what Marty meant to us was Marty scoring 10 goals in 10 games despite barely playing in those games,” Koch said. “When he went down in training camp, a dead silence broke over everyone – coaches, players, trainers. When that happens you see just how much he meant to everyone, not just as a player but as a person.”

Throughout his Baker career, Johnston received numerous honors. He was named first-team All-Heart of America Athletic Conference, all-region, HAAC offensive player of the year and received All-American honorable mention honors.

Johnston graduated in May 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in research and communication.