Melbourne City full-back Kaitlyn Torpey has agreed to join Nation Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit San Diego Wave in an Australian outgoing record transfer.
Torpey will link up with Matildas star Emily van Egmond at NWSL Shield holders San Diego in a move that sets a new Australian outbound transfer record.
The 23-year-old has established herself as one of the most exciting and prolific full-backs in the Liberty A-League, where she made 48 appearances for City, scoring six goals.
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This season, the Australia Under-23 international scored one goal in 13 appearances for the league leaders.
“Since joining Melbourne City, Kaitlyn’s hard work, dedication, leadership and immense quality has been on display,” said City’s director of football Michael Petrillo.
“She is one of Australia’s most exciting young footballers and this move is a testament to not just her performances for the club, but also her character and ambition.
“To be able to comfortably break the transfer record highlights the tremendous talent we have playing for our club and showcases why some of the best clubs in the world are looking at us.
“Kaitlyn is a wonderful footballer and person, and although we are disappointed to lose her, it fills us with great pride to see her join one of the best teams in America and the world.”
Torpey joined City in 2021-22 after five seasons with Brisbane Roar in the Liberty A-League.
Since moving to Melbourne, she has only missed one game for City.
“It’s bittersweet to be leaving the club as we sit on top of the table, but I’m excited to be joining one of the best teams in the world and I know everyone here is supportive of me as I embark on the next chapter of my career,” Torpey said.
“City has been a huge part of my development and has helped me become the footballer that I am today. From the moment I first stepped foot into the club, I’ve had the support around me to better myself which has led to this opportunity.
“Dario, the staff, my teammates, and in particular Andy Barnett, our strength coach, have all played a crucial role in my progression over the past two and a half years, including working with me individually over the past off-season, and I can’t thank them enough.”
The Wave will face Gotham FC in the NWSL Challenge Cup on March 16 before kicking off their NWSL season against KC Current on March 24.
