Canadian international Sarah Stratigakis signs with NSL's AFC Toronto

Canadian midfielder Sarah Stratigakis tells a familiar story in signing with AFC Toronto.

"I'm very excited. Finally, to have a chance to play professionally in Canada," said the 26-year-old from Woodbridge, Ont. "Playing in front of my family, my friends, my hometown, it means the world to me."

Stratigakis was also sold by the pitch from Toronto sporting director Billy Wilson and head coach Marko Milanovic.

"I really align with their values and their vision for the team," she said in an interview. "I just see it as a place where I can get better as well. I really want to [put] my stamp on that team."

Stratigakis can start training with Toronto in July, but can't play until after July 20 when the transfer window opens. Her last game was in May.

After a stellar collegiate career at Michigan, Stratigakis played overseas in Sweden (VittsjöGIK), England (Bristol City) and France (Saint-Etienne).

"Playing abroad was probably one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career," she said. "I've been all over. Each country offered new challenges, new expectations and style of play. I've definitely learned a lot from my time there."

The league in Sweden was "incredibly challenging," and her teammates were "high quality," she said.

"I was improving all the time," she added. "It was just an environment I enjoyed."

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She counted Canadians Sabrina D'Angelo and Sura Yekka, a childhood friend and fellow former Wolverine, among her teammates in Sweden.

Stratigakis signed with Bristol City in January 2024, arriving midway through a difficult campaign that saw the club relegated