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Angel City Lands 2024 NWSL Defender of the Year Emily Sams in $650,000 Trade

The 26-year-old joins on a multi-year deal, signaling Los Angeles' accelerating roster build.

Overview

  • Orlando Pride receive $650,000 in intraleague transfer funds, reported as a club record, second-highest in NWSL history, and the most for a defender.
  • Angel City announces a multi-year contract for Sams that coverage reports as a three-year agreement, following Orlando’s prior extension through 2027.
  • Sams earned 2024 Defender of the Year honors and a Best XI nod after helping Orlando capture the NWSL Shield and Championship.
  • Orlando head coach Seb Hines said Sams requested the chance to consider other options before the deal.
  • The move caps a busy week for Angel City that included adding midfielder Ary Borges and signing college prospects Carina Lageyre, Karsyn Cherry and Taylor Suarez.