Alex Loera becomes first signing in Bay FC history | OneFootball

Bay FC have confirmed their first player in team history, with midfielder Alex Loera joining the new NWSL side via a trade with the Kansas City Current.

Loera took the NWSL by storm in her rookie season, quickly proving how valuable of an asset she was to the Current. Loera joins Bay on a contract through the 2025 season, and Bay were able to acquire her talents in exchange for $175,000 in allocation money.

Loera was a recipient of the 2020 Honda Sports Award, which is awarded to the best female collegiate athletes across 12 different sports, while also captaining Santa Clara University to a National Championship triumph in the same year.

While Loera typically plays as a defensive midfielder, she can also help out in the backline by taking up center-back duties.

"It is an incredible opportunity to be on the roster of a team that is new to the league but has a deep, rich history of soccer excellence," said Loera in a release.

"The Bay Area played such a significant role in my soccer career and development and I could not be more eager to get back to my roots and onto the pitch for Bay FC."

The 24-year-old made 44 appearances for the Current, tallying two goals in her time with the team that drafted her after her college playing days.

"Alex’s technical ability and passing range makes her the perfect fit for Bay FC’s possessional style of play and epitomizes the tone we want to set for the rest of the team," Bay FC general manager Lucy Rushton said. "Coupled with her tenacity and strength in defense, Alex has all the tools of a complete modern-day DCM and we are delighted to be bringing her back to the Bay Area."

Bay FC will continue to add to their roster with Loera returning home, as they hold the number one overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft that's set for December 15.