Wave deal M Meggie Dougherty Howard to Angel City FC

Angel City FC acquired midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard from the San Diego Wave on Friday for $40,000 in allocation money.

Dougherty Howard, 28, played in 17 matches over all competitions during her lone season with San Diego. She also spent four seasons with the Washington Spirit and two seasons with the Orlando Pride before signing with the Wave as a free agent.

"We're really glad we're bringing Meggie into the fold," Angel City general manager Angela Hucles Mangano said in a statement. "She's a player who has good experience in this league and someone we think will fit into our style of play nicely as well. Her ability to hold the ball and add an attacking versatility to our midfield will provide another dimension to the roster."

Dougherty Howard, who has four career goals, expressed excitement over the trade.

"The team is headed in a great direction and I'm looking forward to being a part of Angel City's success," Dougherty Howard said. "LA is a fantastic sports city with smart and enthusiastic fans. I'm thrilled to be a part of it!"

Dougherty Howard leaves a San Diego franchise that has big stars in goal-scorer Alex Morgan and Naomi Girma, the NWSL Defender of the Year and U.S. Soccer's Female Player of the Year. She earned the latter award earlier this week.

"I'm honored and grateful to be the first defender and second Black player to win this award, but it's really a testament to all the hard work put in by our goalkeepers, the back line and our whole team to achieve an historic year for our defense," Girma said in a statement.