"Angel City is a club with ambition, purpose, and a clear commitment to excellence, and that's what drew me here. I'm excited for the opportunity to keep growing as a player in an environment that pushes standards and believes in winning, while staying deeply connected to its community. It already feels like a family, and I can't wait to compete for championships in L.A. and play for the best fan base in the league at BMO Stadium."
"Emily is a world class playmaking defender who brings important experience of winning an NWSL Championship to Los Angeles. Emily is a true professional with high standards, and she will add to our team first culture while raising the standard of those around her. We believe our technical staff will be able to push Emily to another level and I am excited to see her impact on and off the field while competing for trophies in the coming years with Angel City."
Angel City FC signed defender Emily Sams from Orlando Pride for $650,000 in intraleague transfer funds. Sams is 26 years old and joins a team that finished 11th in 2025 and missed the playoffs. Sams earned 2024 NWSL Defender of the Year honors and helped Orlando secure the NWSL Shield and the league title over the Washington Spirit. Sams received a senior USWNT call-up in 2024 and was part of the Paris gold-medal team. Angel City expects Sams to bring championship experience, raise standards, and contribute on and off the field. The NWSL expands to 16 teams in 2026, with regular season play beginning the weekend of March 13.
Read at ESPN.com
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