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Angel City FC announced the signing of Japanese defender Miyabi Moriya to a one-year deal.

Moriya, who has earned 15 caps for the Japanese national team, comes to ACFC via transfer from INAC Kobe Leonessa of the Japanese WE League for an undisclosed transfer fee. The Nara Prefecture, Japan, native will occupy one of teams international spots.

Moriya scored eight goals in 118 matches for INAC Kobe Leonessa and was named the WE League Valuable Player in 2023.

“We are excited to add a defender of Miyabi’s caliber to our roster,” ACFC sporting director Mark Parsons said in a statement. “She is a versatile talent with incredible game intelligence which will allow our coaching staff to continue to evolve our style of play. Bringing Miyabi and her huge international experience with one of the top national teams in the world is an important addition to our team.”

Moriya will join former schoolmates and teammates Jun Endo and Hannah Stambaugh at ACFC. The trio played together on Japana’s Women’s World Cup team in 2023, which reached the quarterfinals.

“I am grateful to Angel City for signing me and I can’t wait to play for the fans at BMO Stadium,” she said in a statement. “I visited Los Angeles several times as a student athlete, and I am excited for this new journey. My heart breaks for what LA is going through right now, and I am grateful to become part of the community.”

–Field Level Media