[SANTA CLARA WOMEN] Julie Johnston, who is playing for the U.S. under-18 women's national team at the Ten Nations Cup in Spain, is among nine recruits Santa Clara coach Jerry Smith signed for the 2010 season.

The Broncos' entire signing class is from the West Coast region: eight Americans and Canadian Nikki Ambrose,  one of eight players selected to the 2009 Vancouver Whitecaps full residency program.

The other players include Johnston's Sereno teammate, Sarah Jackson, Lake Oswego (Ore.) SC teammates Molly Mettler and Cali Reis, Californians Alyson Birgel (Real So Cal), Jessica Castillo (Mustang Soccer) and Kelly Jenks (Juventus SC) and Ellie Rice, a Wyoming product who plays for Utah Avalanche.

"'m excited about this incoming class," said Smith. "This class has tremendous potential as well as the ability to impact our program as soon as next year. I expect several of the players in this class to compete for starting positions on our team this fall. Although we've lost a terrific senior class, including four seniors drafted to the Women's Professional Soccer League, I believe this class will enable us to build on our top-10 finish from this past season."