Canadian midfielder Emma Regan leaves Northern Super League to join NWSL team

Midfielder Emma Regan's breakthrough year with Canada and AFC Toronto has led to a transfer to a National Women’s Soccer League club.

In announcing the transfer Tuesday, Toronto did not specify the fee or Regan's NWSL destination. But it is believed the 25-year-old from Burnaby, B.C., is headed to one of the NWSL expansion teams - either the Boston Legacy or Denver Summit, which both kick off play this year - for a fee similar to the $465,000 US (250,000) pounds that the Portland Thorns reportedly paid to get Canada captain Jessie Fleming from England's Chelsea in January 2024.

Forward Olivia Smith holds the Canadian women's transfer record, moving to Arsenal from Liverpool in England's Women's Super League, for a then-world-record one million pounds ($1.87 million) last July.

"It's definitely a little bit bittersweet," Regan said of the move. "I really enjoyed my time at AFC Toronto and in Toronto in general. Definitely a big year for me and the club.

"And I was really grateful to be part of our first season [in the Northern Super League]. I think we will never forget that as Canadian soccer players. But I'm definitely excited for the next chapter."

AFC Toronto sporting director Billy Wilson says the move is good for Regan, his club and the NSL.

"I think it's a really good opportunity for someone like Emma," he said. "We're really proud to have played a part in her journey."

"The fee itself, for the women's game, is substantial," he added.

Regan turned heads last year when she appeared in 11 of Canada's 13 matches, becoming a fixture at defensive midfielder under Canada coach Casey Stoney. That brought her total of senior caps to 15.

In June, she scored her first senior goal for Canada in a 4-1 win over Costa