Abby Dahlkemper traded to Bay FC from San Diego Wave

In a significant move announced on Monday, Bay FC has acquired 2019 World Cup champion Abby Dahlkemper from San Diego Wave FC. The deal includes a compensation of $50,000 in allocation money going to San Diego in exchange for the defender.

Dahlkemper, who is originally from the Bay Area, signed a contract with Bay FC that runs through the end of the 2026 NWSL season, with an option to extend into 2027. The trade was initiated at her request, allowing her to return to her hometown as Bay FC continues its inaugural season in the NWSL.

Expressing her excitement, Dahlkemper shared, “The opportunity to be a part of the Wave from the inaugural season has been a highlight for me in my career and I am so proud of what has been accomplished.” She added, “Since the announcement of Bay FC, I’ve dreamt of the opportunity to return to my hometown to play in front of my family and friends for the first time in my club career.”

Dahlkemper made history as the first player to sign with San Diego Wave FC, joining the team in November 2021 before the 2022 NWSL expansion season. During her time with the Wave, she made 34 appearances across all competitions, although her playing time was hindered by various injuries over the past two and a half years.

After undergoing a major back surgery earlier in 2023, Dahlkemper made a successful return to the pitch, contributing to San Diego’s achievement of winning the NWSL Shield.

In expressing gratitude, Dahlkemper remarked, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the fans and the San Diego Wave for the support you have given me. It has truly been a privilege to play in front of you and see the success this club has had both on and off the field in such a short time span.”

Throughout her career in the NWSL, Dahlkemper has accumulated 155 appearances since her rookie debut in 2015. Her impressive resume includes three NWSL Championships and four NWSL Shields. Additionally, she was recognized as the NWSL Defender of the Year in 2017.

Before her tenure with the Wave, Dahlkemper played for the Western New York Flash and the North Carolina Courage. She was a key member of the United States women’s national team during the 2019 World Cup campaign, contributing to their successful title run. Furthermore, she was part of the USWNT that earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

To date, Dahlkemper has earned 83 caps with the national team. Her youth soccer days were spent at MVLA, a Bay Area club where current Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya previously served as technical director and coached various girls’ teams.

“Abby is one of the best center backs in the NWSL, and we are happy to welcome her home,” Montoya stated. He highlighted Dahlkemper’s leadership and experience at the highest level, noting they are vital qualities that will benefit the team. “On the field, she is a perfect fit for our style of play, and we are excited to have her as we look to make a playoff push down the stretch,” he added.