Bay FC adds former NWSL Defender of the Year as club’s first-ever free agent signing

Bay FC is building from the back.

The newest expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League announced its first-ever free agent signing on Tuesday, when the club inked outside back Caprice Dydasco to a three-year contract.

The 30-year-old native of Honolulu is as experienced as they come. She won an NCAA title with UCLA in 2013, made appearances with the United States Women’s National Team’s U-23 team in 2014 and ‘15, and this year became one of only 32 players to log 10,000 minutes in the NWSL.

She’ll join Alex Loera, a defensive-minded central midfielder and Santa Clara alum who was acquired via trade last week, as the first two players on the Bay FC roster.

“A highly technical and intelligent footballer, Caprice’s ability to impact play in the final third and create goal-scoring opportunities make her one of the most exciting and productive attacking fullbacks in the league,” said general manager Lucy Rushton. “A winning mentality and team-first approach are fundamentals of any Bay FC player and Caprice has both in abundance.”

Dydasco spent the 2023 season on the Houston Dash. She also played for NJ/NY Gotham for four seasons and the Washington Spirit for five. She was the NWSL’s Defender of the Year in 2021.

Bay FC will continue to add to its roster ahead of the expansion draft, which will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network on Friday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. PT.

The club opens its season at PayPal Park in March.

“Bay FC is building something truly unique in the NWSL and the world of women’s sports and I’m so excited to be a part of this team’s legacy,” said Dydasco. “The club has already proven they are top notch and I can’t wait to take the pitch next year for our first season.”