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San Diego Wave FC announced Thursday that the club and goalkeeper Leah Freeman have mutually agreed to terminate her contract, allowing the 24-year-old to pursue opportunities overseas.
"We want to thank Leah for her contributions to the Wave this year," said Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton. "We have mutually agreed to part ways to allow Leah the opportunity to pursue opportunities abroad, and we wish her all the best in the next chapter of her career."
While Freeman's time in San Diego lasted just one season, she made the most of the opportunities she was given. Signed ahead of the 2026 campaign, the goalkeeper appeared in six matches, starting each one, and helped the Wave to a 5-1-0 record. She conceded just six goals while recording two clean sheets and eight saves.
Freeman was thrust into the starting lineup after veteran goalkeeper DiDi Haračić suffered an injury in San Diego's opening regular season match. Rather than looking overwhelmed, Freeman settled in quickly behind one of the league's strongest defensive units, helping the Wave maintain their position near the top of the NWSL standings during an important stretch of the season.
Although Freeman was not called upon to make a high volume of spectacular saves, her composure, distribution, and ability to organize the back line gave the Wave stability while Haračić recovered. Once the veteran returned to full fitness, Freeman understandably returned to a reserve role.
Her path to regular playing time became even more difficult following San Diego's signing of decorated Spanish goalkeeper Sandra Paños during the summer transfer window. With Haračić, Paños, and highly-rated 19-year-old Luisa Agudelo also on the roster, Freeman found herself fourth on the depth chart despite performing well when called upon.
Given the Wave's crowded goalkeeper room, a mutual separation makes sense for both sides. San Diego gains roster flexibility while Freeman receives the opportunity to compete for a starting role elsewhere rather than spending the remainder of the season as a backup.
For a goalkeeper entering an important stage of her career, consistent minutes are invaluable. Freeman showed during her six-match stint that she is capable of stepping into a starting role when needed, and a move abroad could provide the regular playing time necessary to continue her development.
Although her stay with the Wave was brief, Freeman leaves having played an important role during a key stretch of the 2026 season. As San Diego moves forward with its current goalkeeping group, Freeman now has the chance to build on a promising campaign with a new club overseas.
