Maryland's Canadian Connection: Reunited Johnston And Copetti Are Looking For More Hardware

Before they became key cogs of the Maryland men’s soccer offense, Malcolm Johnston and Stefan Copetti were winning trophy after trophy together as teenagers with Vaughan Soccer Club in Ontario. So much so that, when asked about their favorite memories together on the field, there are too many championships to choose from. 

“I’m trying to be modest, but we really did win a lot of trophies together,” Johnston said with a laugh. “It’s hard to pick just one.” 

Now, in their first year playing collegiately together, the two former teammates are leading the quest for what would be their biggest trophy yet—Maryland’s fifth national title in program history.

Johnston actually started on a rival soccer club, but, after losing to Vaughan a few too many times, decided to make the jump when he was 14 and try out for Copetti’s club. It didn’t take long for him to make a big impression on his former rivals. 

“Malcolm stood out quite a bit at those tryouts,” Copetti said. “I’m pretty sure out of all those guys trying out, he was one of the only ones to make our team…He had that same composure on the ball like he does now, the same ability to dictate the midfield.”

Similarly, Johnston instantly knew that Copetti was special. 

“Stef was a bit skinnier than he is now, but he was almost as tall. He was just as good in the air and just as good at finishing as he is now, that stood out to me right away. He would always score goals no matter where we were.”

Those strong first impressions eventually developed into a tight bond through their four-plus years playing together. 

“Stef and I became best friends on that team until we went to college,” Johnston said. “We won a lot of trophies together, had a lot of good moments, and some bad moments. We’ve been through a lot together and have been able to grow a great friendship through the game.”

The two graduated from high school in 2019 and, while they both went to the US for college ball, it was done on different paths. 

Johnston enrolled at Maryland where he became a staple in the midfield from day one. Through four seasons as a Terp, Johnston has started all but three of the 59 games he’s played, totaling 13 career goals. 

Copetti, on the other hand, took his talents to Poughkeepsie, NY to play at Marist College where he starred for the Red Foxes. He started 39 of 41 games played over two seasons (his 2020 season was canceled), earning first-team All-MAAC honors and United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors in 2021. 

Through it all, the pair of good friends kept close tabs on each other’s dominant efforts at their respective schools.

“We were obviously both very busy, but we always tried to check in when we could,” Johnston said. “And when one of us had a nice goal or something, the other would check in and say congrats.”

At the conclusion of the 2021 season, Copetti made the decision to enter the transfer portal. He piqued Sasho Cirovski’s interest and the legendary head coach quickly turned to Johnston to get his perspective on his former teammate.

“Obviously, I raved about him to Sash,” Johnston said. “I knew how good he was through Vaughan and throughout his time at Marist. I knew he would fit the culture and the program here perfectly.”

Cirovski and Copetti connected shortly afterwards and then Copetti reached out to Johnston to poke his brain about the opportunity. 

“I don’t think Stef needed much convincing, I know he really wanted to come here but he just wanted some reassurance and to ask some questions and I was able to be there for him,” Johnston said. “Happy to make it happen and so happy that he’s here now.”

Copetti agrees with the sentiment that it didn’t take much for him to get on board. Maryland offered him the opportunity to join one of the best men’s soccer programs of all-time and also don the same uniform his father, Jack Copetti, did from 1985-88 when he was a three-time All-ACC selection as a Terp. Add in the fact that he would get to play with one of his best friends once again, and the choice was easy.

“It was pretty much a no-brainer once Sash reached out to me and I knew there was interest,” Copetti said.

Copetti’s decision has paid off in dividends for both him and the Terps. He and Johnston have each netted a team-high five goals on the season. They both also rank top-three on the team in total points. Thanks in large part to the play of those two guys, Maryland was able to secure its first Big Ten Championship since 2016 with a thrilling 1-1 tie over Indiana on Oct. 30—a game in which Copetti scored in the 87th minute to hand the Terps the title in dramatic fashion. 

Off the pitch, the guys have reaped the benefits of being together again just as much. 

“Since that first tryout when we were 14, I’ve had so many great experiences with him at the club, traveling, and going to a lot of showcases together in the US,” Copetti said. “We continued to build that bond and it’s gotten even stronger since I’ve been here at Maryland.” 

“I’m thankful that I get to see him basically everyday now like it was when we were 14 through 18 years old,” Johnston added. “It’s kind of surreal having him around like that again. It was a little strange for the first month once he got there, but I’m so grateful that he’s here and I’m able to have those good times with him again.”

While Johnston and Copetti were coming up through Vaughan Soccer Club, the Canadian National Team was slowly returning to prominence on the world stage. In March 2022, that growth came to fruition when they qualified for their first World Cup since 1986. 

A major part of the big turnaround? A couple of guys with Maryland connections—former Maryland star and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and Alistair Johnston, Malcolm’s older brother. 

Being able to see that national growth firsthand with guys they have close personal ties to has been extremely special for both Johnston and Copetti. 

“Canada, for several decades now, has always been in the shadow of the two other North American teams,” Johnston said. “I think they’re finally now making their statement, their claim in the North American game. We’re blessed to be in the age that we are and get to see it unfold in front of us. It’s very personal for me and I know it is for Stef too, with my brother and people that have come from our club who are playing big parts in that run.”

“It’s amazing being alive to witness that, witness history,” Copetti added. “It’s awesome to see them succeeding at the highest level and attending the World Cup on the biggest stage…Dayne being a big part of that and being a Maryland alum, that’s huge. We’re all proud of them.”

Both guys hope that playing for the Canadian National Team is in their future as well. For now, however, they’re focused on the task they set for themselves months ago—bringing home a National Championship. 

“We were kind of gutted to be knocked out in the semis of the Big Ten tournament, but we still managed one ring,” Copetti said. “And we’re looking forward to the start of the NCAA Tournament to make a big run here.”

That big run will kick off Thursday at 6 pm when the Terps host Fairleigh Dickinson at 6 pm at Ludwig Field in a first-round matchup. 

As Copetti said best in a text he sent to Johnston way back when he officially committed to the Terps.

“Let’s win some rings here. Let’s bring home so hardware”