Emily Sams is heading to Los Angeles, and she's bringing a championship mentality with her. The decorated U.S. defender has joined Angel City FC on a contract through 2028 after three incredible seasons with Orlando Pride.
This move might surprise some fans. Orlando just extended Sams's contract in February 2025 through the 2027 season. But the 25-year-old defender is ready to step out of her comfort zone and chase new goals on the West Coast.
"I am ready for a new challenge in my career, for both personal and career growth," Sams told Sports Illustrated. She's quick to praise her time in Orlando, where she won both the NWSL Championship and Shield. But now it's time for something different.
From Champion to Challenger
Sams's resume speaks for itself. She was the third pick in the 2023 NWSL draft and became an instant starter for Orlando. In 2024, she was named NWSL Defender of the Year and made the Best XI First Team. She also won Olympic gold with the USWNT in Paris.
Last season, she played 27 matches with 24 starts and logged 2,362 minutes. Those are serious numbers for any defender, let alone someone still early in their career.
Angel City finished outside the playoffs recently, and Sams wants to change that immediately. "I for sure want to make it to the playoffs and win a championship here," she says. That ambition could make Angel City a much stronger playoff contender this season, which bettors should definitely keep in mind when looking at NWSL futures.
Perfect Fit for LA's System
What sealed the deal for Sams? Conversations with Angel City head coach Alexander Straus and sporting director Mark Parsons. She loved their commitment to player development and community involvement.
"Their investment in their players and their commitment to the community was very obvious," Sams explains. The club's vision matched her values perfectly.
Straus, who came from Bayern Munich, has a clear game plan. Sams believes her playmaking abilities from the back will fit seamlessly into his system. As a center back who can set up attacks and control buildup play, she brings exactly what Angel City needs.
The defender is particularly excited to play alongside midfielder Hina Sugita, calling her "one of the best, most technical players." That partnership could be crucial for Angel City's success this season.
Sams also has national team ambitions. World Cup qualifiers are coming up this year, and she wants to push herself to make that roster. "The more that I push myself, that will hopefully pay off really well for my time with the national team, too," she says.
Angel City fans should be pumped. BMO Stadium has one of the best atmospheres in the NWSL, and Sams can't wait to experience it from the home side. With a proven winner joining the backline, LA's playoff odds just got a whole lot better.
