York United FC can confirm the departure of midfielder Isaiah Johnston to MLS NEXT Pro side Huntsville City Football Club.

Over the past three seasons, the 21-year-old has developed into one of the most highly-regarded talents in the Canadian soccer landscape. During his time with The Nine Stripes, he accumulated 48 appearances in the Canadian Premier League and added a further five in the Canadian Championship. In all competitions, he managed four goals and five assists.

“This move for Isaiah is further validation for the opportunity CPL brings for young Canadians,” says Angus McNab, York United FC CEO/President and GM.

“Almost 4,000 professional minutes before your 21st birthday is something pretty rare and it speaks to the trust we have had in him. His family are a big part of this club too – even hosting Thanksgiving for the last two years for many of the players who don’t call Toronto home. But they’ve assured me that they’ll still be with us on Friday nights at York Lions Stadium, even with Isaiah down south with Huntsville.”

Johnston arrived at the club in 2019 as a CPL-U SPORTS Draft pick. The following year he signed a full-time contract with the side rather than return to Cape Breton University, where he had enjoyed an excellent first season – winning the Atlantic University Sport Rookie of the Year Award after the team claimed a national bronze medal.

He made his debut at The Island Games in August 2020, coming on as a late substitute in a 1-1 draw with Pacific FC. He enjoyed two more cameo appearances at the ‘bubble’ tournament before really coming to the fore in the 2021 campaign. Bringing energy, power and a combativeness that belied his tender years, Johnston became a virtual ever-present in central midfield and proved crucial in the team’s run to the playoffs. He scored his first professional goal in a vital win against FC Edmonton early in the season and added two more against HFX Wanderers and Cavalry FC.

Working under Head Coach Martin Nash in 2022, Johnston developed tactically and technically, and arguably experienced his standout career moment in the Canadian Championship semi-final clash with Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. Trailing 2-0 and with a heavily depleted squad owing to injury, Johnston rallied the troops late on. Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, he jinked away from one challenge and drilled a fine finish inside the near post to cut the deficit and set up a rousing finale.

Other highlights from the season included a superb cross for Oliver Minatel to power a brilliant diving header to the net in an emphatic 2-0 home win over Cavalry FC and a rampaging assist against Pacific FC that saw him slalom past a collection of trailing defenders before perfectly teeing up Osaze de Rosario for a tidy finish.

“He’s an immensely talented young man,” Nash said earlier this year, when quizzed on Johnston’s skillset. “He’s got good technical ability. He’s a good athlete, strong and physical. He has all the attributes you want.”

In 2021, Johnston was named as one of the CPL’s Next Gen stars, which honours the best of young Canadian talent. That same year, he was rewarded for his rapid development and calibre of performance and signed a contract extension until 2024.

Now – having racked up almost 4,000 professional minutes across three years with York United – he’s ready for the next step.

Huntsville – the MLS NEXT Pro affiliate of Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC – are preparing for their inaugural season and Johnston is set to play a big role.

“Isaiah is a talented young midfielder who has the qualities we look for in a potential first team player for Nashville SC. In many ways, he embodies the project behind Huntsville City FC as a talented prospect who has the potential to influence winning, and will continue to grow and make strides in MLS NEXT Pro with HCFC,” says Mike Jacobs, General Manager of Nashville SC and its affiliates, including Huntsville City FC.