Sarah Stratigakis

From: AS Saint-Étienne (Arkema Première Ligue, France)
To: AFC Toronto
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: Canadian
Date: June 24, 2025

AFC Toronto have made a splash as the first club to strike during the NSL’s inaugural trade window, landing Canadian international Sarah Stratigakis.

Stratigakis arrives from AS Saint-Étienne, where she competed in France’s top division. The 25-year-old midfielder brings a wealth of experience, including time in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan, Barclay's Super League, League1 Ontario, and four standout seasons with the University of Michigan Wolverines.

She’s also no stranger to the national spotlight having represented Canada at the U15, U17, U20, and senior levels, including a goal against Argentina at the 2021 SheBelieves Cup.

“I'm hoping that I can be dangerous and just be very entertaining [for AFC Toronto fans] to watch. I love to bring that joy on the field,” said Stratigakis. “I've been away from home for many years now, playing in some very competitive leagues, but from watching the NSL and seeing the growth of the league, it's something I can’t wait to be a part of.”

Zoe Burns

From: Utah Royals (NWSL, USA)
To: AFC Toronto
Position: Defender
Nationality: Canadian
Date: June 30, 2025

AFC Toronto continue to bolster their backline with the signing of Zoe Burns, a versatile defender with international experience and elite-level pedigree.

Burns arrives from the Utah Royals, where she featured in 21 matches as an NWSL rookie, showcasing composure beyond her years. Prior to going pro, she captained the USC Trojans, earning Pac-12 honours across 68 appearances.

She also spent time with Fleury in France’s D1 Arkema, gaining valuable European experience in one of the world’s toughest leagues.

On the international stage, Burns has worn the Canadian jersey at the U20 World Cup, collected medals at Concacaf youth championships, and made her senior national team debut, marking her as one of Canada’s most promising young defenders.

Lauren Rowe

From: North Toronto Nitros (League1 Ontario, Canada)
To: AFC Toronto
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: Canadian
Date: June 30, 2025

AFC Toronto have added creativity and firepower to their midfield with the signing of Lauren Rowe, a breakout talent with a knack for producing in big moments.

Rowe lit up the Newfoundland and Labrador senior league, earning MVP and Top Scorer honours with a stunning 20-goal campaign. She carried that momentum to Cape Breton University, where she earned AUS Player of the Year and multiple MVP awards.

In League1 Ontario, she helped FC London capture the League1 Cup in 2024 before notching 7 goals and 12 assists with North Toronto Nitros. A former Canadian U20 national team player, Rowe brings intelligence, grit, and attacking instincts to the pitch.

Amanda Allen

From: Orlando Pride (NWSL, USA)
To: Halifax Tides FC
Position: Forward
Nationality: Canadian
Date: July 2, 2025

Halifax Tides FC have added a game-changing presence on the wing, securing a loan deal for rising Canadian star Amanda Allen from the Orlando Pride.

The 19-year-old from Mississauga, Ontario is already making waves on the international stage, having represented Canada at both the U17 and U20 FIFA Women’s World Cups. She made her senior national team debut at just 17 years old, a clear signal of her elite-level promise.

Known for her blistering pace, confidence on the ball, and creative spark, Allen joins Halifax after helping the Orlando Pride clinch both the NWSL Shield and Championship in 2024. Prior to her time in the NWSL, she lit up League1 Ontario with 10 goals in 14 matches for NDC Ontario.

Allen is a threat in transition and in the final third, capable of turning defenders inside out, creating space where there is none, and delivering dangerous balls from wide areas.

Tiffany Cameron

From: Real Betis Féminas (Liga F, Spain)
To: Halifax Tides FC
Position: Forward
Nationality: Canadian
Date: July 3, 2025

Halifax Tides FC have made a major move with the signing of Tiffany Cameron, an internationally renowned forward whose career spans four continents, countless leagues, and two senior national teams.

Cameron joins the Tides from Real Betis Féminas in Spain’s Liga F, where she led the club in goals during the 2023/24 season. With a résumé that includes stints in Germany, the U.S., Sweden, Norway, Israel, Hungary, Cyprus, and Spain, she brings a wealth of experience, tactical flexibility, and leadership to the East Coast side.

Born in Mississauga, Cameron has proudly represented both Canada and Jamaica at the international level. She featured for Canada at youth and senior levels, including the 2006 U20 World Cup, and later became a key member of Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz, competing in the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups, helping the squad reach the Round of 16 for the first time in national history.

Off the pitch, Cameron is equally inspiring. After being diagnosed with vitiligo in 2016, she embraced her story with confidence and became the first athlete with vitiligo featured in EA Sports FC, using her platform to champion authenticity and inclusion.

Olivia MBala

From: Lille OSC (Seconde Ligue, France)
To: Montréal Roses FC
Position: Centre Back
Nationality: Canadian
Date: July 7, 2025

Montréal Roses FC have strengthened their defensive unit with the signing of veteran centre-back Olivia MBala, bringing the Scarborough native home after a decade in Europe.

The 33-year-old joins the Roses after logging over 100 professional appearances in France’s top two divisions, most recently with Lille OSC. A calm and commanding presence at the back, MBala is known for her aerial dominance, smart positioning, and ability to play out under pressure.

Her journey has taken her from NCAA soccer with the UNC Tar Heels and FAU Owls to stops at Grenoble, Rodez, Saint-Malo, and finally Lille, where she served as a defensive anchor. Throughout her career, MBala has been lauded for her leadership, consistency, and composure in high-stakes moments.

Deeply rooted in her community, she returns to Canada ready to help continue laying the foundation in Montréal’s inaugural season, bringing with her the experience, resilience, and quiet fire of a true professional.

Yuka Okamoto

From: AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies (WE League, Japan)
To: Vancouver Rise FC
Position: Defender
Nationality: Japanese
Date: July 22, 2025

Vancouver Rise FC have added international experience and poise to their backline with the signing of Japanese defender Yuka Okamoto ahead of the club’s debut NSL season.

The 27-year-old Tokyo native brings over 100 professional appearances from Japan’s top tier, including four standout seasons with AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies in the WE League, Japan’s fully professional women’s league. A tactically sharp and technically sound defender, Okamoto was a constant presence in Nagano’s backline, recording full-season appearance streaks in three of her four campaigns.

Known for her intelligence, clean distribution, and ability to support the attack from deep, she fits seamlessly into Vancouver’s possession-focused style of play. Okamoto also scored her first professional goal in 2024, a testament to her growing confidence going forward.

Prior to turning pro, she developed at Nippon Sport Science University and Yokohama FC Seagulls, after rising through the ranks in Tokyo’s Katsushika Ward. Calm under pressure and relentless in her approach, Okamoto arrives in Vancouver ready to make her mark in the NSL.

Jorian Baucom

From: DC Power FC (USL Super League, United States of America)
To: Calgary Wild FC
Position: Attacker
Nationality: American
Date: July 24, 2025

Calgary Wild FC have added firepower up top with the signing of American forward Jorian Baucom, a dynamic attacker with a résumé that spans six countries and multiple top-tier leagues.

The Scottsdale, Arizona native arrives in Calgary after a goal-filled run with Fort Lauderdale United and a historic stint at DC Power FC, where she became the club’s first-ever signing and goal-scorer. A former NWSL striker with time at Houston Dash, Racing Louisville, and North Carolina Courage, Baucom has also featured for AC Sparta Prague, MSV Duisburg, SF Damaiense, and Hibernian, tallying 27 goals in her 2023-24 season alone.

Known for her strength, movement, and nose for goal, Baucom brings elite experience and a relentless mentality to the Wild front line. She’s equally passionate about her impact off the pitch, with deep roots in community work across the U.S.

A proven finisher and culture driver, Baucom is ready to make her mark in Calgary.

Kathryn Harvey

From: Melbourne City FC (A-League Women, Australia)
To: Calgary Wild FC
Position: Attacker
Nationality: Canadian
Date: July 24, 2025

Calgary Wild FC have added Canadian flair and finishing with the signing of forward Kathryn Harvey, who returns home after lighting up the scoresheet across Europe and Australia.

The Coquitlam, B.C. native was the top scorer in Denmark’s Division 1 and most recently played for Melbourne City in Australia’s A-League Women, where she made an instant impact with two goals on debut. Before turning pro, Harvey starred at Trinity Western University, earning multiple national honours and building a reputation for clutch goals, including a title-winning strike in the dying minutes of her final CanWest championship.

A creative and clinical attacker, Harvey combines sharp instincts with a tireless work rate. She’s also passionate about giving back through coaching and advocacy, with a focus on youth, wellness, and sustainability.

Now, she’s set to bring her spark to the Wild, and to Canadian fans for the first time as a pro.

Julianne Vallerand

From: Spokane Zephyr FC (USL Super League, United States of America)
To: Halifax Tides FC
Position: Defender
Nationality: Canadian
Date: July 29, 2025

Halifax Tides FC have signed Canadian standout Julianne “Jubes” Vallerand, adding a fearless, multi-position talent with international pedigree and relentless drive.

The Terrebonne, Quebec native brings a dynamic edge to the Tides after a standout season with Spokane Zephyr FC, where she earned USL Best XI honours for her consistent two-way play. A former star at West Virginia University, Vallerand played across the pitch, from striker to fullback, helping the Mountaineers win a Big 12 Championship.

Vallerand has also worn the maple leaf proudly, representing Canada at the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and multiple CONCACAF tournaments, collecting medals and Best XI accolades along the way. Her game blends speed, grit, and instinct, equally comfortable breaking lines or locking down wide areas.

She now brings her trademark tenacity to Halifax, ready to make her mark on the NSL’s East Coast stage.

Kelly Chiavaro

From: Santos FC (Paulista Feminino, Brazil)
To: Ottawa Rapid FC
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: Canadian
Date: July 31, 2025

Ottawa Rapid FC have fortified their last line of defense with the signing of Canadian goalkeeper Kelly Chiavaro, a fearless, globetrotting shot-stopper with elite experience and commanding presence.

Hailing from Blainville, Quebec, Chiavaro returns home after a professional journey that’s taken her from Italy to Brazil, featuring for clubs like Napoli Femminile, Botafogo, Flamengo, and most recently, Santos FC. She also represented Italy at the 2022 European Beach Soccer Championship, showcasing her versatility on the international stage.

A graduate of Colgate University with a degree in Psychological and Brain Sciences, Chiavaro is a composed, intelligent presence between the posts, known for her sharp instincts, vocal leadership, and signature pre-kick ritual: marking an “X” on the penalty spot.

Now, the veteran keeper is ready to bring her edge and energy to the capital as Ottawa eyes a strong second-half push in the NSL.