Boston Legacy FC Signs First Player
In an exciting milestone for the club, Boston Legacy FC has announced the signing of its inaugural player, midfielder Annie Karich, who joins the team on a free transfer from SC Freiburg in Germany. General manager Domè Guasch expressed confidence in Karich’s capabilities, highlighting her combination of technical skill and strategic insight on the pitch.
“Annie has demonstrated her competitive spirit and maturity during her career at Freiburg, and we believe she has the potential to significantly contribute to our team’s success,” stated Guasch, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to nurturing her growth.
Karich’s Background and Future Plans
Karich, age 21, has made a total of 36 appearances for SC Freiburg since her arrival from Santa Clara University in November 2023. Before turning professional, she spent two years honing her skills at the university level and has represented the U.S. at various youth national teams.
After signing with Boston, Karich will first spend the 2025 season on loan at an undisclosed Liga MX Femenil club before returning to Boston for pre-season training in January. As Boston prepares to debut in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) next year as one of two new expansion teams—alongside Denver, bringing the total number of teams in the league to 16—Karich’s experience and adaptability may prove invaluable.
Reflecting on her transition, Karich expressed enthusiasm about her new journey: “I want to grow by developing my overall game as a player and by learning how to adapt to a new city and team. I’m really excited to embrace this challenge in Boston.”
Coaching Philosophy and Team Strategy
Boston’s new head coach, Filipa Patão, endorses a dynamic style of play, envisioning a team that plays with aggression and fervor.
“A good player must be flexible and adaptable. I consider myself chameleonic, able to change and adjust to secure a win. Having a strong identity is crucial in achieving that success,” Patão shared in a recent discussion about her coaching philosophy.
With the shifting landscape of the NWSL, Boston and Denver are pioneering a new strategy in team assembly, as they navigate the building of their rosters without a player draft. To assist in this endeavor, the NWSL has allocated additional financial resources for salaries and transfers, also allowing for intra-league loans—a novel aspect for the teams as they prepare for the upcoming season. The league’s summer transfer window recently opened, providing new opportunities for team development.