AFC Toronto has strengthened its defensive line with the addition of experienced South Korean international, Hong Hye-ji. The 28-year-old centre back brings a wealth of experience to the team, having represented Korea at the FIFA Women's World Cup and two FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups.
AFC Toronto has bolstered its defensive line with the acquisition of veteran South Korea n international Hong Hye-ji. The 28-year-old centre back boasts 40 senior caps for Korea, having featured in the FIFA Women's World Cup and two FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups. Hong, who captained Korea at the 2016 U-20 tournament in Papua New Guinea, was recognized as the Korea Football Association Young Player of the Year in 2015.
Joining the nascent Northern Super League from South Korean powerhouse Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels WFC, which holds the record for 11 WK League titles, Hong brings significant experience to the Canadian side. 'When you look at players coming out of that part of the world — South Korea and Japan — the level of technical, tactical ability is really high,' AFC Toronto sporting director Billy Wilson said in an interview. 'So with Hong, we think we're getting someone at a good age, 28, with significant national team appearances including World Cups. Someone that's got a lot of experience playing in one of the few full-time women's pro leagues, the WK League. And someone that plays with urgency both in and out of possession. That's what really impressed us — her ability to read the game. 'So we're excited to think that a lot of the younger Canadians that we're going to bring into the environment, that are incredibly talented, will learn and grow just by being surrounded by players like this.' Hong began her career in Japan with INAC Kobe Leonessa before returning home after being selected first overall in the 2018 WK League Draft by Changnyeong WFC. She moved to Hyundai Steel Red Angels in 2021, contributing to the team's league titles in 2021, '22 and '23. Hong was part of the Korean squad at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, taking the field in the group stage match against Morocco. 'The project at AFC Toronto is extremely exciting to me, and I am committed to helping the club become one of the top competitors in the Northern Super League,' Hong said in a statement. 'I'm always eager to improve my skills and look forward to my next chapter in Canada.' Hong is the eighth player to be signed by Toronto, joining defenders Croix Soto and Kaela Hansen, midfielders Aoi Kizaki, Jade Kovacevic, Emma Regan and Cloey Uddenberg and forward Leah Pais. Soto is American and Kizaki hails from Japan, while the rest are Canadian. The six-team NSL kicks off on April 16. Each team is allowed eight internationals on their roster
SOUTH KOREA INTERNATIONAL DEFENDER EXPERIENCE NSL
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