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The first-place San Diego Wave made a major statement ahead of the second half of the NWSL season, announcing the signing of veteran Spanish goalkeeper Sandra Paños to a three-year contract through 2028.
Paños arrives in San Diego with one of the most accomplished résumés in women's soccer. The 33-year-old most recently helped Club América capture the Liga MX Femenil Clausura title, earning "Portera de la Final" honors after the championship series against Monterrey. During her three seasons in Mexico, she appeared in 72 matches, recorded 38 clean sheets, and established herself as one of the league's top goalkeepers.
Before her time with América, Paños built a legendary career with FC Barcelona. Across nine seasons, she made 279 appearances, kept 171 clean sheets, won three UEFA Women's Champions League titles, and lifted five Liga F trophies. She also earned 54 caps with the Spanish national team and represented her country at multiple major international tournaments.
The move addresses one of the few question marks on an otherwise outstanding Wave squad. Following the offseason departure of former NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year Kailen Sheridan, San Diego has rotated between DiDi Haracic and Leah Freeman in goal.
Haracic opened the season as the starter before an injury sidelined her. Freeman stepped in and helped guide the Wave to the top of the NWSL standings, handling a difficult transition after Kailen Sheridan's departure. The young goalkeeper has shown composure in possession and delivered several important performances, but the addition of Paños gives San Diego a more experienced option between the posts as the club pushes for a championship.
While both goalkeepers helped San Diego navigate a challenging transition after Sheridan's departure, Paños brings a level of experience and championship success that few players in the world can match.
With Kennedy Wesley and Kristen McNabb anchoring a defense that has already been among the league's best, the addition of Paños gives the Wave another proven winner as they chase the first NWSL championship in club history.
For a team already sitting atop the standings, Wednesday's announcement served as a reminder that San Diego is not content with simply being one of the league's best teams. The Wave are building to win it all.
