San Diego Wave FC acquire Kaitlyn Torpey from Melbourne City FC
Kaitlyn Torpey celebrates for Melbourne City (Photo Courtesy of SD Wave FC)
San Diego Wave FC announced today that they have acquired Australian defender Kaitlyn Torpey from Melbourne City FC for an undisclosed transfer fee. Torpey’s new contract lasts two years and goes through the 2025 season.
“Kaitlyn (Torpey) is a talented young defender and has a bright future ahead of her with the Wave,” Wave FC General Manager Molly Downtain said. “She’s a fantastic addition to our group of defenders and is a great fit to what we are building in San Diego, and we are excited to welcome her to the club.”
Torpey made her professional debut at 16 years old with the Brisbane Roar in where she spent five seasons before moving on to join Melbourne City FC of the W-League. In her three seasons with the club she made 44 starts and notched six goals and five assists as a fullback on the right side of the pitch.
Torpey scores for Preston Lions FC (Video Courtesy of SD Wave FC)
Torpey has also represented her country for the U-17, U-19 and U-23 Australia Women’s National Team where she has appeared in various international competitions and most recently featured in friendly matches against the Scotland U-23 Women's National Team in September, 2023.
Kaitlyn Torpey receives award for Melbourne City (Photo Courtesy of SD Wave FC)
Torpey joins the Wave as its third international transaction of the offseason alongside defender Hanna Lundkvist a Swedish international who was recently brought in from Atlético de Madrid of Liga F, and Mya Jones a Canadian international player drafted by the Wave in the third round from the University of Memphis.
Kaitlyn Torpey scores for Melbourne City (Video Courtesy of SD Wave FC)
Torpey would be the club’s official fourth international player to utilize one of the five international slots per team allowed by the NWSL.
As of now their NWSL Draft pick Mya Jones would take the fifth international spot, but has not officially signed a contract with the club meaning she could leave by the end of the preseason camp. Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan does not count toward the international slot because she was in the NWSL before the rule and is thus grandfathered in. Emily Van Egmond is not currently listed as an international player on the club’s roster page, but in the past has been listed as one for the club.
SDFC sends Duran Ferree on loan to USL’s Orange County SC
The club’s first and second signings heading in the same direction, from different pathways.
Duran Ferree in goal of an US Open Cup match between Albion SC & San Diego Loyal SC
SAN DIEGO, Calif.— San Diego FC announced today their first signing, 17-year-old goalkeeper Duran Ferree, will be sent on loan for the 2024 season to the USL Championship’s Orange County SC.
Ferree became San Diego FC’s first signing in December 2023 when he signed a four-year contract that extends through the 2027 MLS season with a club option for 2028.
“We are grateful to San Diego FC for the trust they have placed in OCSC to continue Duran’s professional development,” OCSC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Peter Nugent said. “He is a talented young keeper with a bright future ahead of him and we are looking forward to working with him.”
Ferree is a San Diego native from 4S Ranch and began his professional career signing a contract as a 15-year-old with the now defunct USL Championship club San Diego Loyal SC. He made his first appearance at 16 years old on October 9, 2022, against New Mexico United when the Loyal had already secured their position in the playoffs
“This is a very exciting time in my professional career,” said Ferree. “To be on loan with Orange County SC during the 2024 season not only allows me to train and play at a high level, it also places me in a league environment where I have familiarity and will allow me to flourish. The proximity to San Diego is an added bonus and I look forward to continuing to play in front of Southern California fans.”
Ferree has also played for the U.S. Under-17 Youth National Team making five appearances. He featured in four matches in the CONCACAF Championship and one match in the Under-17 World Cup.
Sources tell SanDiego.Fútbol that SDFC’s next signing is close with Marcus Ingvartsen, a Danish forward with FC Nordsjælland. FCN is a part of the Right to Dream group and is holding part of its preseason in San Diego where they have faced Club Tijuana and will face the MLS’ LA Galaxy and LAFC in the coming weeks.
SanDiego.Fútbol reached out to SDFC, they declined to comment.