Swaby leaves Europe to be closer to family
Switches AS Roma for NWSL expansion team Angel City FC
Published:Friday | December 24, 2021 | 12:09 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
AFTER FIVE years in Europe, national defender Allyson Swaby will be continuing her career in the United States with the newest team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Swaby, 25, will be joining Los Angeles-based expansion franchise Angel City FC on a two-year deal, with an option for a third.
Swaby, who currently plays with Italian club AS Roma, will complete her move after participating in the Italian Supercoppa which starts on January 5.
Her move brings to a close her three-year stint in the Italian capital, highlighted by Roma’s Coppa Italia triumph last season, beating reigning league champions Juventus to win the club’s first piece of silverware. While regretting not being able to conclude the current campaign, which sees them fighting for a Champions League place, Swaby said she is grateful for the memories she has made during her time at the club.
THANKFUL
“I owe a huge amount of thanks to my teammates and staff for putting me in a position to take this next step in my career. Ultimately, I have decided to take an opportunity to be closer to home and my family,” Swaby said on the AS Roma website.
“I am disappointed to not be able to conclude the season with this team but I am fully committed to doing my part to help us in the Suppercoppa, and am proud to leave us in a Champions League position for the first time. I have much more to say and thanks to give about my time here but, for now, my focus remains on the games at hand before my departure. Forza Roma always.”
Swaby, who was born in the United States, started her professional career in Europe in Iceland for Knattspyrnufélag Fjarðabyggðar in 2018 before moving to Roma in that same year. With her return to US soil imminent, she said she is excited about her new chapter.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Angel City for granting me this opportunity. The collective vision of the group lets me know that great things are coming our way. I cannot wait to get to Los Angeles, wear the kit for the first time, and meet our supporters,” Swaby told the Angel City website.
Having been familiar with her talent during her time with Juventus, Angel City sporting director Eni Aluko said Swaby will improve the team, not only with her skill but with her leadership.
“Allyson’s athleticism, versatility and relentless desire to improve her game are qualities that set her apart. Her leadership experience with her native Jamaica will be a welcome asset to Angel City, both on and off the field,” Aluko told the club website.
“We are also delighted to signal our international strategy with our first player representing the Concacaf region where girls and women’s football is evolving.”