SamanthaCHANG

Pronunciation: suh-MAN-thuh CHANG 
Pronouns: She/Her 
Hometown: Mississauga, ON 
Previous Club: Vancouver Rise, NSL  

ACQUIRED 
Announced by AFC Toronto in December 2025, Chang returned to Canada following successful professional seasons in Europe and the Northern Super League, bringing championship experience and leadership to the club’s midfield. 

TRANSACTIONS 
Joined AFC Toronto after Vancouver Rise FC acquired her from HB Køge, with the club securing her services ahead of the 2026 season. 

PROFESSIONAL 
Chang arrives at AFC Toronto as a proven winner and dynamic central midfielder. In 2025, she captained Vancouver Rise FC to the inaugural NSL Championship, earning Star of the Week honors twice (Weeks 15 and 19). Prior to her NSL success, Chang competed in Europe with HB Køge (2023–2024), earning multiple Player of the Match honors, Team of the Week selections, and Team of the Month recognition. She also featured for SC Torreense in 2023, earning Team of the Week distinction. 

Known for her composure under pressure and technical precision, Chang’s standout moment came when she scored a decisive free-kick game winner against Ottawa – a goal years in the making through dedicated repetition and refinement. Her leadership, defensive discipline, and ability to dictate tempo make her a cornerstone midfielder. 

INTERNATIONAL  
Chang has represented Canada at every youth level and holds three senior national team caps. Her highlights include U15 CONCACAF Gold Medalist (2015 – Best XI), U17 CONCACAF Bronze Medalist (2016), U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup participant (2016), and captaincy at the U20 CONCACAF Championship (2020) and U20 4 Nations Tournament in Australia (2017). 

COLLEGE 
Chang played NCAA Division I soccer at the University of South Carolina (2018–2022), where she established herself as one of the program’s top midfielders. She served as team captain in 2022, helped lead the Gamecocks to the SEC Tournament Championship (2019, 2022), and earned SEC Tournament First Team honors in 2022. During her collegiate career she was also named National Player of the Week twice (2020, 2021) and was selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2019. 

LEAGUE1 
Chang began her senior experience with Unionville Milliken SC, earning Youth Player of the Year in 2017 and a spot on the League1 Best XI the same year. Her standout performances at this level laid the foundation for her collegiate and professional career. 

YOUTH 
Chang developed through several Ontario clubs including Erin Mills SC, Brams United SC, Ontario REX, and Unionville Milliken SC, progressing through Canada’s youth national team pathway from the U15 level onward. 

OFF THE FIELD 
Chang describes herself as fiercely competitive on the pitch but a “softie at heart” off it. Passionate about fashion, travel, and discovering new food spots, she is a self-proclaimed foodie who believes ramen is the ultimate comfort meal. She also holds a degree in Social Work, reflecting her interest in community and supporting others beyond the game.