AFC Toronto Signs NWSL Champion Sofia Manner

Northern Super League side AFC Toronto is back with another player unveiling, this time with a player between the posts.

Finnish goalkeeper Sofia Manner now joins AFC Toronto from NWSL Champions Orlando Pride, which is a sizable follow-up to the signing of South Korean international Hong Hye-ji earlier this week.

Manner first joined the Pride back in December 2023 from FC Honka in the Kansallinen Liiga, where she was nominated for the league’s Goalkeeper of the year and Best Player award for putting up 10 shutouts in 23 games across all competitions.

Before that, Manner had played collegiate level at Stony Brook University in New York state where she received the America East Goalkeeper of the Year honours twice.

“Signing a player with Sofia’s experience benefits us immensely as we build our roster and our culture in 2025,” says AFC Toronto Sporting Director Billy Wilson.

“Her physical stature is a massive asset; she’s used to dealing with direct play and supports attacks by building out from the back. Being part of a winning organization with Orlando, she knows what it takes to compete at the highest professional level and we’re excited to welcome her to our club.”

Manner says that she believes what’s happening in Canada with the arrival of the Northern Super League is very special and something she wished to be part of.

“I’ve been challenged by the best in the world during my career and think this new environment is where I can continue growing,” adds the goalkeeper.

Sofia Manner is AFC Toronto’s ninth player signing. The date for the inaugural kickoff is set to kickoff on April 16. In the meantime, AFC Toronto will continue to round out its roster as the big date approaches.