Seven Former FCKC Players to Return to Kansas City NWSL

by Caroline McCray

The Kansas City NWSL current roster has been announced, and it will be a homecoming for seven players who previously played in Kansas City for FCKC.

These seven players include Amy Rodriguez, Nicole Barnhart, Desiree Scott, Brittany Ratcliffe, Lo’eau LaBonta, Sydney Miramontez, and Katie Bowen. All of the women were with FCKC in 2017 and went on to play for the Utah Royals.

Team captain and USWNT World Cup Champion Amy Rodriguez could not be more excited to return to KC.

“I am elated to be going back to Kansas City,” said Rodriguez. “I really can’t put into words how I felt after hearing the news. I was so flabbergasted because Kansas City was a part of my journey for so many years and I really never thought I would be able to put my cleats back on again in KC.”

Rodriguez played in 34 games and scored 20 goals during her previous career in Kansas City. Her playing time was cut short due to a season ending ACL tear at the beginning of the 2017 season.

Nicole Barnhart is another league veteran and two-time gold medalist who will be returning to the pitch in KC.

“It is very exciting to be coming back to Kansas City,” said Barnhart. “Obviously it is a little nerve wracking because with change it always is, but it’s nice to know that we have a real loyal group of fans here and I hope that we can grow and build on that.”

Both Rodriguez and Barnhart played in Kansas City when FCKC won back-to-back NWSL Championships in 2014 and 2015.

“As a competitor and a soccer player, I won two championships in Kansas City and have a very fond memory of the winning environment I had there,” said Rodriguez. “Off the field, I can remember KC being such a great sports town and a place that I was proud to play for the fans because they were just so passionate and enthusiastic.”

Rodriguez said the 2021 season will be a year for a fresh start and a new identity. She is excited for the opportunity to create a new culture and a new name for women's soccer in Kansas City.

by Caroline McCray

The Kansas City NWSL current roster has been announced, and it will be a homecoming for seven players who previously played in Kansas City for FCKC.

These seven players include Amy Rodriguez, Nicole Barnhart, Desiree Scott, Brittany Ratcliffe, Lo’eau LaBonta, Sydney Miramontez, and Katie Bowen. All of the women were with FCKC in 2017 and went on to play for the Utah Royals.

Team captain and USWNT World Cup Champion Amy Rodriguez could not be more excited to return to KC.

“I am elated to be going back to Kansas City,” said Rodriguez. “I really can’t put into words how I felt after hearing the news. I was so flabbergasted because Kansas City was a part of my journey for so many years and I really never thought I would be able to put my cleats back on again in KC.”

Rodriguez played in 34 games and scored 20 goals during her previous career in Kansas City. Her playing time was cut short due to a season ending ACL tear at the beginning of the 2017 season.

Nicole Barnhart is another league veteran and two-time gold medalist who will be returning to the pitch in KC.

“It is very exciting to be coming back to Kansas City,” said Barnhart. “Obviously it is a little nerve wracking because with change it always is, but it’s nice to know that we have a real loyal group of fans here and I hope that we can grow and build on that.”

Both Rodriguez and Barnhart played in Kansas City when FCKC won back-to-back NWSL Championships in 2014 and 2015.

“As a competitor and a soccer player, I won two championships in Kansas City and have a very fond memory of the winning environment I had there,” said Rodriguez. “Off the field, I can remember KC being such a great sports town and a place that I was proud to play for the fans because they were just so passionate and enthusiastic.”

Rodriguez said the 2021 season will be a year for a fresh start and a new identity. She is excited for the opportunity to create a new culture and a new name for women's soccer in Kansas City.