Angel City Football Club signed midfielder Hina Sugita to a three-year contract extension through the 2029 season.
Sugita was acquired in a trade with the Portland Thorns in September and played in the final four games of the season.
“I’ve always tried to give my very best to soccer, and I’m so happy to have found a team that gives me the feeling that there is so much more to come,” Sugita in a statement. “I am so grateful to all my teammates at Angel City who bring so much joy and excitement to every match. I will keep working hard every day to give back to my fans and supporters, and help Angel City to reach new heights.”
A Japanese native and a member of Japan’s national team, Sugita made her NWSL debut in 2022 with the Thorns and helped the club win the championship. In three seasons, she scored 13 goals and added 14 assists.
“Hina is one of the players that we have wanted for quite some time,” Angel City coach Alex Straus said at the time of Sugita’s arrival. “We believe she will fit right in with the direction we are going as she brings a very specific skill set to the midfield. She has played in this league since 2022 for a good team and has been a difference maker for them, so we look forward to having Hina in our environment.”
Angel City roster update
The club announced that defenders Elizabeth Eddy, Miyabi Moriya and Megan Reid, midfielder Madison Hammond and goalkeeper Hannah Stambaugh will not return and will explore free agency. Monday, Reid signed with Denver Summit FC, next season’s expansion team.
Forward Casey Phair, who is currently on loan at Djurgårdens IF, will return for preseason. Lily Nabet, who is under contract through the end of 2025, is on loan with Gainbridge USL Super League Team Fort Lauderdale United FC.
Here is the current roster:
Goalkeepers: Angelina Anderson, Hannah Seabert
Defenders: Sara Doorsoun, Sarah Gorden, Savy King, Sophia Mattice, Evelyn Shores, Gisele Thompson
Midfielders: Jun Endo, Kennedy Fuller, Macey Hodge, Nealy Martin, Lily Nabet (on loan), Maiara Niehues, Hina Sugita
Forwards: Prisca Chilufya, Claire Emslie, Sveindís Jónsdóttir, Sydney Leroux, Maithe Lopez, Casey Phair (on loan), Riley Tiernan