Emily Sams Embraces Bold New Chapter as U.S. Defender Makes Game-Changing Move to Angel City FC
A fresh Angel has arrived in the city, and she's prepared to secure success for Los Angeles.
In merely three campaigns, Emily Sams has already established herself as a remarkably accomplished athlete. She became part of the Orlando Pride in 2023 during her debut season, and quickly secured her position as a cornerstone of the Pride's defensive line. The subsequent year, she contributed to the organization's inaugural National Women's Soccer League Championship and Shield victory.
Currently, with a new agreement at Angel City extending through 2028, Sams is preparing for her West Coast journey, determined to assist Angel City in securing a playoff spot for the first time since 2023.
"I absolutely want to reach the playoffs and capture a championship here," Sams exclusively shares with Sports Illustrated. "That's my objective personally on whatever squad I join, that's the primary ambition."
In February 2025, Orlando renewed Sams's deal until the '27 campaign, making her transfer somewhat unexpected. She acknowledges her experience with the Pride and the confidence that head coach Seb Hines fostered in her for her current position. However, for the young defender, it represented the natural progression as she seeks to step beyond her comfort zone both individually and professionally.
"I am prepared for a fresh challenge in my career, for both individual and professional development," Sams explains. "I experienced an amazing period at Orlando. I'm going to deeply miss the teammates so much, and I hold tremendous gratitude for everyone there. And naturally, winning the Championship and Shield for Orlando's community was extremely meaningful to participate in."
As Sams contemplated her future, her primary focus was on-field progression and discovering a club that aligned with her principles. After conversations with Angel City head coach Alexander Straus and sporting director Mark Parsons, she felt she discovered what she sought.
"As I continued discussions with them, alongside some of the ownership and founders, I genuinely sensed their dedication to their athletes and their devotion to the community was unmistakable," Sams explains. "They're deeply committed to contributing to the city and engaging the supporters. It's something meaningful to me and something I'm thrilled to join."
The organization is equally enthusiastic about Sams joining their roster. Her statistics demonstrate her value. After a stellar collegiate career at Florida State University, Sams was selected third in the 2023 NWSL draft. In '24, Sams contributed to the Pride's NWSL-record 23-game unbeaten streak, earning her the 2024 NWSL Defender of the Year and Best XI First Team honors. In '25, she featured in 27 matches with 24 starts and accumulated 2,362 minutes.
"Emily is an elite playmaking defender who contributes valuable experience of capturing an NWSL Championship to Los Angeles," Parsons stated in a press release. "Emily is a genuine professional with elevated standards, and she will enhance our team-first culture while elevating the performance of those around her. We believe our technical staff will help Emily reach another level and I am excited to witness her influence on and off the pitch while competing for titles in the upcoming years with Angel City."
Sams's achievements extend beyond the NWSL. She captured gold with the U.S. women's national team at the 2024 Olympic Games and, recently, earned a call-up to the upcoming USWNT training camp at month's end.
"I certainly want to make the World Cup roster, and qualifying matches are this year," Sams mentions regarding next year's tournament in Brazil. "I believe that was another motivation for making this move [to Angel City] to truly challenge myself and discover my capabilities. The more I push myself, that will hopefully benefit my time with the national team as well."
As Sams joins Angel City for preseason, she's familiarizing herself with the players and the system. Particularly, she's eager to connect with midfielder Hina Sugita, who Sams considers one of the finest, most skilled players who can truly contribute something exceptional. As the home opener approaches, she's working diligently with the squad, determining where she fits in, and exploring how she can optimally utilize her abilities to help Angel City achieve its potential.
"In conversations with [Straus], the strategy was crystal clear—he understands what he wants to achieve on the pitch, what style he wants to implement, and I feel like I can envision myself fitting perfectly with that approach," Sams says of the former Bayern manager. "As center backs, you must initiate the play, you're the architect at the back for the buildup, and they highlighted that being one of my strengths and how that will align with what they're trying to accomplish. It's going to be a smooth transition."
While Sams prepares for a new season, she's eager to return to the field, specifically to perform in front of Angel City's passionate fanbase. She describes BMO Stadium as one of the most exciting atmospheres in the entire league, and she's anticipating wearing the iconic sol rosa and representing LA.
"The atmosphere in L.A. has consistently been incredible, and I'm so excited to be part of it," Sams says. "I enjoy interacting with fans, getting to know them, recognizing familiar faces. I'm so excited to see and meet the Angel City supporters, and I'm genuinely thrilled for our home opener!"
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