NWSL veteran and 2020 UEFA Women’s Champions League winner becomes San Diego Wave FC’s second player towards the expansion team’s inaugural 2022 season
SAN DIEGO (December 1, 2021) – San Diego Wave Fútbol Club announced today that the club has acquired English international Jodie Taylor through the 2022 season with an option to exercise for the 2023 season. The forward and NWSL veteran is the second player to join Wave FC – after Abby Dahlkemper – ahead of the expansion team’s inaugural season in 2022.
Taylor, 35, comes to San Diego Wave FC from the NWSL’s Orlando Pride, which she registered three goals and an assist through 13 games in the 2021 NWSL season. Taylor made her NWSL debut with the Washington Spirit in 2014 and has amassed 31 goals in her NWSL career while also having previously played for Portland Thorns FC (2015), OL Reign (2018-20) and Orlando (2021).
“Jodie brings an invaluable combination of experience and leadership to a new team which will be looking for leaders in the locker room,” said Club President Jill Ellis. “From my past with the USA, I am well aware of Jodie’s goal-scoring talent, cultivated from playing at the highest levels of women’s soccer. I am glad we’ll have her on board to help steer our ship through our maiden voyage in the NWSL.”
Since making her first international appearance for England’s women’s team in 2014, Taylor has netted 19 goals for her country in 51 games. She was a key member of England’s 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup squads as Taylor scored once over three appearances in 2019. Following England’s 2015 Women’s World Cup semifinal appearance, Taylor led England to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 semifinals as she scored five goals in four matches to earn the tournament’s Golden Boot award for most goals scored.
“I’ve played with Jodie as she has helped England achieve new heights in international competition, and now I’m very pleased to have her on my team as San Diego Wave FC embarks on its NWSL journey,” said Wave FC head coach Casey Stoney. “She has scored everywhere she has gone. She has a proven track record of finishing scoring chances at the highest level. Those type of players are rare and among the hardest players to find. I am excited to work with Jodie as we continue to build a team that San Diego can be proud of”
“I am delighted to be joining San Diego Wave FC. This is an exciting move and opportunity for my future both on and off the pitch,” said Taylor. “It is extremely motivating to be joining a new franchise in an incredible city, spearheaded by such amazing women, and I look forward to being a part of building a club from the beginning.”
Upon execution of the trade Orlando will receive Wave FC’s 2023 NWSL Draft natural second round pick, natural third round pick or allocation money, pending conditions met.
Taylor’s international club career has included stops with Arsenal of England’s Women’s Super League), Melbourne City FC (Australia) and Lyon (France), where she played on a UEFA Women’s Champions League-winning team in 2020. Taylor scored 47 goals in her NCAA career at Oregon State from 2004-07.
Name: Jodie Taylor
Position: Forward
Height: 5’6”
Date of Birth: May 17, 1986
Birthplace: Birkenhead, England
England International Caps-Goals: 51-19
Last Club: Orlando Pride
Awards: UEFA Women’s Championship Golden Boot Winner: 2017; England Player of the Year: 2017; UEFA Women’s Champions League Winner: 2020.
Fans can learn more about Wave FC, sign up for ticket information and purchase Club apparel exclusively at www.SanDiegoWaveFC.com. Follow Wave FC on Facebook (@SanDiegoWaveFC), Instagram (@SanDiegoWaveFC), LinkedIn (@SanDiegoWaveFC), Twitter (@SanDiegoWaveFC), and join the conversation while using the #WaveFC hashtag.
About San Diego NWSL
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced in June 2021 that San Diego will be home to an NWSL expansion team, set to begin play in Spring 2022. Jill Ellis, the only two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winning manager and a former FIFA World Women’s Coach of the Year recipient, serves as President of the San Diego NWSL team while England standout and former Manchester United Women’s Manager Casey Stoney will serve as the team’s head coach. Chief Revenue Officer, Vanessa Shay, will run revenue streams, marketing and business operations. The San Diego NWSL is owned by investor Ron Burkle. Burkle has tapped longtime friend and business associate Matt Alvarez to lead the project on his behalf.
