January 14, 2025...Goalkeeper Sofia Manner Joins AFC Toronto from NWSL Champions Orlando Pride (from AFC Toronto news release)

 
Goalkeeper Sofia Manner Joins AFC Toronto from NWSL Champions Orlando Pride

Finnish shot-stopper arrives in Canada for an undisclosed fee

Toronto, ON (January 14, 2025) - AFC Toronto is thrilled to announce the signing of 
goalkeeper Sofia Manner (27) from the reigning National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
champions Orlando Pride for an undisclosed fee.

Standing at 6-foot-1, Manner brings a commanding presence to AFC Toronto’s backline. The 
Finland native looks to the Northern Super League for her next chapter after spending the last 
year developing her skills in the United States.

“Signing a player with Sofia’s experience benefits us immensely as we build our roster and our 
culture in 2025,” said Billy Wilson, AFC Toronto Sporting Director. “Her physical stature is a 
massive asset; she’s used to dealing with direct play and supports attacks by building out from 
the back. Being part of a winning organization with Orlando, she knows what it takes to compete 
at the highest professional level and we’re excited to welcome her to our club.”



Image: Sofia Manner gestures toward teammates at the NWSL X Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup on July 27, 2024. 
Credit: Mark Thor/Orlando Pride.

Such competitive characteristics were showcased during Manner’s Orlando Pride debut at the 
NWSL X Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup last summer. She guided her former team to a 5-4 
penalty shootout victory over C.F. Monterrey after making the only save to win the match.

“I think what’s happening in Canada is very special; I want to be part of it and help AFC Toronto 
be as successful as possible. I’m really excited by the opportunity,” said Manner. "I've been 
challenged by the best in the world during my career and think this new environment is where I 
can continue growing." 

Alongside her experience in the NWSL, Manner played for FC Honka in the Kansallinen Liiga
(Finland’s top division of women’s football). She was also a standout performer at Stony Brook 
University in New York, winning America East Goalkeeper of the Year in both 2018 and 2019.


Sofia Manner pictured training at the NWSL X Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup on July 27, 2024. 
Credit: Mark Thor/Orlando Pride.


Sofia Manner attempts to catch the ball at the NWSL X Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup on July 27, 2024. 
Credit: Mark Thor/Orlando Pride.


Sofia Manner trains with NWSL club Orlando Pride in February 2024. 
Credit: Jeremy Reper/Orlando Pride.


Sofia Manner catches the ball while training with Orlando Pride of the NWSL in March 2024. 
Credit: Jeremy Reper/Orlando Pride.


Sofia Manner poses with her 2024 NWSL Championship medal in November 2024. 
Credit: Jeremy Reper/Orlando Pride

Additional player signings will be announced in the coming weeks.

About AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto is a founding club in the new Canadian women's professional 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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