‘It was the right time’: Canadian goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo signs with AFC Toronto

Sabrina D’Angelo is coming home to the Northern Super League (NSL).

The Welland, Ont.,’s storied goalkeeper and part of Canada women’s national team has signed a pre-contract with AFC Toronto and is eligible to play after July 20 when the transfer window opens. 

D’Angelo has played all of her professional career abroad. Her college years took her to South Carolina with the Gamecocks, and she was drafted to the NWSL by Western New York Flash where she won the 2016 NWSL championship MVP. 

The following year, the Flash became the North Carolina Courage. D’Angelo moved to Europe and spent four years in Sweden at Vittsjö GIK. She moved to the Women’s Super League in England and had a stint with Arsenal FC, and then two years at Aston Villa FC. 

Coming back home to play in Canada was on her radar and the 33-year old chose not to renew with Aston VillaFC although they offered her an extension.  

“It was the right time,” D’Angelo told CBC Sports in an exclusive. “I wanted to be home. I wanted to be close to my family.” 

Her parents Gerry and Bonnie, and her fiancé (retired pro hockey player Brandon Cercone) live in Welland. D’Angelo gets emotional talking about them being able to see her play in Toronto.

“Throughout my career I've been fortunate. They've been able to fly and come and catch some games,” she said. “To have them at every home game is gonna just feel so special. And to see them in the stands — see my fiance in the stands, my extended family, I'm just so excited.”

Sabrina D'Angelo on coming home & signing with AFC Toronto

When D’Angelo started her professional career there were no options to play in Canada. 

That changed with the launch of the NSL.

“It's also about being a part of a new league and a new league in