When Lauren Holiday lifted the 2015 NWSL title the question was the same as it was when the 2014 trophy was lifted, can FC Kansas City repeat?
This might be a tall order for this 2016 squad. Gone is Lauren Holiday. An original member of the first squad, and quite possibly the best player in the clubs three year history, called it quits on both her club and international career. It was her partnership with Amy Rodriguez that served as the heart of the attack for the last two season and the two championships.
There are more challenges for FCKC. In preparation for the exit of Lauren Holiday a trade was made for Sydney Leroux, US international striker. Leroux, wife of Sporting Kansas City forward Dom Dwyer, had been vocal about trying to be a part of Kansas City. A mere month after being acquired she made the announcement that she would be out for the 2016 season to start a family. A similar announcement came from Amy Rodriguez who is due to have her second child
Just like that three players in the attacking third for FC Kansas City were lost. Before the announcements of Rodriguez and Leroux’s yearlong departures, Sarah Hagen, a useful striker who was the top girl while the Women’s World Cup took place, was acquired by the new Orlando Pride to join up with the attacking force of Alex Morgan. Suffice it to say the attacking options for FCKC are rather thin.
Head coach Vlatko Andonovski is a capable leader who has been at the helm of FC Kansas City since their inaugural season. When the 2015 season started off rather rocky he had no problem changing the team shape to better maximize the talents of the non-international players. The results of his changes came prior to the World Cup and with the international break and return of the stars, the momentum was there. It took them to Portland where they won their second title in a row.
This season the team will need to rely on the defense and midfield. Club captain Becky Sauerbrunn is considered the best defender in the women’s game domestically and internationally. She has won the league defender of the year award in each year it has been offered showing that there are few in the game who can marshal a defense better than Becky.
The midfield is where the other US international standout Heather O’Reilly takes charge. Playing out on the wing this very experienced midfielder will most likely be the pinpoint of any attack that has the ball moving out wide. I foresee that O’Reilly will be carrying the initial attacking burden.
Prediction: A third title is only possible if this becomes a true team effort with all the pieces pulling through. Playoffs are still likely but when so many talented attacking options are unavailable for the season it’s hard to say that more than a playoff appearance is likely for FC Kansas City.
FC Kansas City
NWSL
