21-year-old fullback has made 68 appearances for VWFC since being selected 15th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft
VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday that the club has signed United States youth international fullback Tate Johnson to a contract extension through the 2029-30 Major League Soccer season, with a club option for the 2030-31 season.
“Tate is another young player who has made significant strides since joining us at the start of the 2025 season,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “After being selected in the SuperDraft, he quickly showed his ability to make an impact at a high level within our group. We’re excited to continue supporting Tate’s development and are pleased that he has committed to the club for the long term.”
Whitecaps FC fullback Tate Johnson
- 55 starts in 68 appearances across all competitions for Whitecaps FC, the most appearances among players from the 2025 MLS SuperDraft class
- 2025 MLS Western Conference Championship winner
- 2025 TELUS Canadian Championship winner
- Four appearances with United States’ youth national team program with the U-20 and U-21 levels
"I'm excited to extend my contract with the club,” added Johnson. “I've really enjoyed my time in Vancouver. We have an amazing group here, with great teammates, staff, and supporters. It's been a successful start, and I'm really excited about the future and working to bring more success to the club and city.”
This season, Johnson has started 23 of his 26 appearances across all competitions. In MLS play, he’s recorded three assists while completing 89% of his passes, including 18 key passes.
The 21-year-old was originally acquired by Whitecaps FC with the 15th overall selection in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft after signing an MLS Generation adidas contract. Johnson became a key piece of head coach Jesper Sørensen’s system, starting 32 of his 42 appearances across all competitions en route to winning the 2025 TELUS Canadian Championship and the 2025 MLS Western Conference Championship. Along with his defensive stability at left back, Johnson marked his MLS debut by scoring his first professional goal in a 2-0 victory over CF Montréal at BC Place on March 8 and added two assists during his rookie year. Johnson’s play earned him recognition from supporters, as he was the recipient of the 2025 Jock McDonald Unsung Hero award.
In total, Johnson has started 55 of his 68 appearances across all competitions for Whitecaps FC, recording one goal and five assists.
Johnson’s success with the ’Caps caught the attention of the United States’ youth national team program, where he’s made two appearances for the U-20 side and two appearances for the U-21 side.
TRANSACTION: On August 28, 2026, Whitecaps FC sign fullback Tate Johnson to a contract extension through the 2029-30 season, with a club option for 2030-31.
