If there's one thing AFC Toronto fans should know about their latest player, Croix Soto, it's that she's got energy and enthusiasm in spades.

Soto, a 23-year-old centre back from the Houston Dash of the NWSL, is the first international signing for the Northern Super League team, and she couldn't be happier to ply her trade north of the border.

"Canada has needed a women's pro league for far too long," the Pasadena, California native told CBC Sports. "You're never really able to be a pioneer or a first for many things. That's what drew me in, to start from the ground up. I want to be a part of that in an impactful way."

Soto joins Ontario-born forwards Jade Kovacevic and Leah Pais, who have already signed with the club. More player announcements are expected over the coming months for AFC Toronto and the NSL's other five clubs as the inaugural league prepares for kick off in April 2025.

Soto, a former All-Pac-12 honouree and four-year starter at the University of Oregon, contributed to key defensive milestones with the Ducks, including the school's record nine shutouts in 2021.

Playing NCAA in that conference helped her take her game to the next level, lining up against forwards like current NWSL pros Elyse Bennett, Morgan Weaver, Sophia Smith and Ashley Sanchez.

After graduation, Soto made the leap from NCAA soccer to the NWSL where she signed with the Kansas City Current ahead of the 2023 season. In her first year of pro, Soto made 12 appearances including eight starts for the Current's defence.

Her performances for Kansas City caught the attention of Houston Dash who moved to bring Soto to Texas for the 2024 season.

Marko Milanovic, AFC Toronto's head coach, said he's impressed by not only Soto's defensive skill but her professionalism.

"Her experience in the NWSL will be invaluable as we establish our identity and goals for the upcoming season," he said in a team release. "We are excited to see the impact she will have both on and off the pitch."

Soto said fans should know she's super energetic, consistent, and gritty.

"I'm going to do anything for my team in every given second of the game," she said, adding that even though she's intense on the pitch, she's also super fun and not serious at all off it.

She hopes that if fans see her around that they'll come talk to her or take a photo with her because that's what she did as a little kid going to U.S. national team and LA Soul matches (a former pro team in the now-defunct Women's Professional Soccer).

"I know exactly what it feels like and it's my duty to remember where I came from," Soto said. "If I need to stay after the game and see everyone, I'll do that or I'll sign autographs until my hand falls off. I see all the little girls, I see all the moms, I see all the guys. You remember those moments when you were a kid."

Soto enjoyed a quick 48-hour trip to her new city last week, in time to catch Canada's men's national team defeat Suriname in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals at chilly BMO Field.

On her next visit she says can't wait to try out Toronto's food scene, in particular where the best chocolate chip cookies are.

But most important is her suiting up for her new club.

"AFC Toronto is building something really special."