The San Diego Wave FC bolstered its defense and added some international flavor on Thursday, acquiring Swedish defender Hanna Lundkvist from Atlético de Madrid for an undisclosed fee. The 21-year-old will play for San Diego on a one-year contract that contains a mutual option for 2025.
Lundkvist s a cadre of international players on the Wave roster that includes goalkeeper Kailen Sheriden (Canada), midfielder Emily van Egmond (Australia) and forward Sofia Jakobsson (Sweden). Jakobsson is from the town of Ornkoldsvik, 500 miles north of Lundkvist’s hometown of Djuro.
The NWSL Shield-winning Wave open the 2024 season on March 15 against NJ/NY Gotham FC in New Jersey. Their home opener is scheduled for March 23.
“Hanna is an excellent fit and will be a great addition to our group. Her quality and international experience will all serve her well here in San Diego,” Wave General Manager Molly Downtain said. “We look forward to welcoming Hanna and integrating her with the team as we continue to strengthen the roster ahead of the 2024 season.”
Lundkvist turned pro in 2018 with her hometown club of Djuro Vindo IF before ing Hammarby, where she spent two seasons. She was signed by Atletico in December 2021; she made 23 appearances over two seasons with the European powerhouse.
Lundkvist also has international experience, having made her Swedish National Team debut last February against China. She was named to Sweden’s Women’s World Cup team, but was left off the final roster because of injury.
Lundkvist s a group of defenders that’s among the Wave’s biggest strengths. Naomi Girma was recently named the best women’s soccer player in the United States and is the reigning NWSL Defender of the Year. Abby Dahlkemper has made 80 international caps for the United States Women’s National Team, and Christen Westphal is a former No. 3 overall pick who has experience in international matches. The Wave made Stanford defender Kennedy Wesley their top pick in last month’s NWSL Draft.
Lundkvist will the Wave after receiving her International Transfer Certificate and P1 visa, the team said.
Turnbow retires
Midfielder Kelsey Turnbow announced her retirement last week following two seasons with the Wave.
The Santa Clara product started 23 matches in San Diego, notching four assists. The 24-year-old said she is moving on to “the next chapter” in her life.
“Being able to play professional soccer was a dream come true, but it was beyond my dreams to do so in San Diego with the Wave,” she said.
