Mired in a losing streak that has seen them tumble to 11th place in the National Women’s Soccer League standings, the San Diego Wave FC have traded their first-ever player to her hometown team.
The club announced Monday that it has sent defender Abby Dahlkemper to Bay FC in exchange for $50,000 in allocation money. Dahlkemper, the first player ever signed by the expansion Wave, appeared in 34 matches in her San Diego career. She missed nearly a year with a back injury before returning last October.
In a news release, Dahlkemper said she had been pushing for a trade to Bay FC. Dahlkemper was born in Pennsylvania but raised in Menlo Park. She attended Sacred Heart Prep in Atherton before embarking on a stellar college career at UCLA.
The New York Flash made Dahlkemper the No. 3 pick in the 2015 NWSL Draft; she played for New York (2015-16), North Carolina (2017-19) and Houston (2021), winning three NWSL titles, before ing the Wave ahead of the 2022 season.
Dahlkemper, 31, was under contract with the Wave through the end of this season. Immediately following Monday’s trade, Dahlkemper and Bay FC agreed to contract extension through 2026 with an option for 2027.
“While it certainly was not an easy decision to move Abby, as she has been an integral part of the Wave family both on and off the field, we are so glad we could help facilitate her request to move back home and Bay FC,” said San Diego Wave FC Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton.
Dahlkemper said San Diego “will forever hold a special place in my heart.” She scored the Wave’s lone goal in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Angel City FC at Snapdragon Stadium. At 3-8-6, San Diego sits in 11th place in the 14-team NWSL — one spot behind Bay FC. The top eight teams make the playoffs.
San Diego will host the second-place Washington Spirit on Sunday afternoon.
“The opportunity to be a part of the Wave from the inaugural season has been a highlight for me in my career and I’m so proud of what has been accomplished,” Dahlkemper said.
“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. I am beyond appreciative that Camille was able to provide this chance for me and can’t thank my teammates, coaching staff, front office and the Sirens (ers group) for making this city my home for the last three years.”
Bay FC coach Albertin Montoya called Dahlkemper “a perfect fit for our style of play.”
“Abby is one of the best center backs in the NWSL, and we are happy to welcome her home,” he said. “She brings her leadership, experience at the highest level with the USWNT and success in this league, which are key elements that make her an important addition for our group.”
