April 4, 2025...Amanda West Joins AFC Toronto on Loan from Houston Dash (from AFC Toronto news release)
Amanda West Joins AFC Toronto on Loan from Houston Dash Canadian forward eager to return home after National Women’s Soccer League chapter Toronto, ON (April 4, 2025) - AFC Toronto is thrilled to announce the signing of forward Amanda West on loan from National Women's Soccer League club Houston Dash. The Swedish-Canadian player is eager to etch her name in history upon her return to the Greater Toronto Area for the inaugural Northern Super League season. Born in Sundsvall, Sweden, but raised in Burlington, Ont., the 24-year-old spent the 2024 season playing in the top tier of professional women's soccer in the United States. West was selected 36th overall in the NWSL Draft from the University of Pittsburgh after a history-making college career.Image: Amanda West dribbles with the ball during a National Women’s Soccer League match for Houston Dash (2024). Credit: Image provided by Houston Dash. Her prowess in front of goal in Division I of the NCAA piqued the interest of the Dash and helped her become the first-ever Panthers player drafted to the NWSL. West is the university program's all-time leader in goals (50), points (131) and game-winning goals (18). Her first goal at the professional level in the NWSL helped Houston secure a 1-1 draw against Kansas City. She made 18 appearances across all competitions for the club in her debut season. Additionally, the talented forward was a proven athlete in the Canadian soccer scene, earning a call to the Canadian Women's National team in 2021. A product of Burlington Soccer Club, West helped the Bayhawks win back-to-back Ontario Cups (2017 and 2018) alongside two top-three finishes at the Toyota National Championships. She also represented Team Ontario. "Turning professional was always a goal of mine, so I'm thankful for Houston's trust and their assistance in helping me develop my skills to the calibre required in the professional game," said West on her career. "After sharing the pitch with elite players who played at the World Cup and the Olympics, I'm confident I can make an impact at AFC Toronto in this exciting new chapter." "I'm proud to be one of many Canadian players who can continue their careers close to their families and stepping onto BMO Field in a few weeks will be surreal. I feel fortunate to be part of this historic moment for professional women's soccer in Canada, and I am excited to help AFC Toronto build its legacy. I can't wait to get started!" “Amanda is another exciting attacking addition to our roster,” added Billy Wilson, AFC Toronto Sporting Director. “She is a player who possesses great pace, is direct in 1v1 situations, and has the ability to score goals. Most importantly, Amanda expressed a strong desire to return to Toronto and play her part in launching this league. We are delighted to welcome her home!” Fans will have the first opportunity to watch West and the remainder of AFC Toronto's first-ever squad during the club's inaugural match at BMO Field against the Montreal Roses on April 19.
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Credits: Images provided by Houston Dash.
Credit: Image provided by Houston Dash. To keep up with AFC Toronto’s exciting updates, register for the club newsletter and follow AFC Toronto on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok. About AFC Toronto - AFC Toronto is a founding club in the new Canadian professional women’s soccer league, the Northern Super League. The club is gearing up to deliver a top-tier experience for players, staff, and supporters in spring 2025. AFC Toronto is committed to uniting the community and inspiring young women and girls to lead, develop, and excel. The club’s purpose is to not just build a football club but to also create a platform for girls and women to achieve greatness on their terms.
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