"I feel like I've grown as a player a lot," Johnston said, when asked about how his game has developed over the last 10 months.

"During the off-season, [there was] lots of hard work and grinding. Following the programs the coaches gave me, coming in fit right away, being prepared to learn and take in everything the coaches have to offer to progress my game. I just feel I came in ready and hungry this season."

Much has been made - and quite rightly - of the team's underage players proving so integral this season. Collectively, it's been impressive but they've also had their own individual moments in the spotlight too. 17-year-old Lowell Wright soared through the air to powerfully head home an equalizer against Valour while Max Ferrari teed up Diyaeddine Abzi for the first goal in a 2-2 draw with Pacific FC, expertly crossed for Johnston's super strike against Edmonton and also filled in brilliantly at right-back against Cavalry FC when injuries took their toll.

Johnston made it look easy on Saturday, nonchalantly (and perhaps a little flamboyantly) volleying to the net with the outside of his right boot.

"The feeling was surreal," he said afterwards.

"It was amazing to get my first pro goal, to celebrate with my team and get the three points on top of it. I feel I'm at my best when I'm going forward and defending as well - that kinda box-to-box role. And Gaff (Head Coach Jimmy Brennan) always tells us to gamble, to get in the box and that's what I did."

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