FC Kansas City has signed New Zealand midfielder Katie Bowen, pending receipt of her P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (UTC), the club announced. Bowen, who has been added to the team’s roster, will occupy an international roster spot.
First member of draft class to sign
Bowen becomes the first member of Kansas City's draft class to sign a deal.
As per league and team policies, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Club hierarchy thrilled
"Katie is a highly talented young versatile player. She is one of the most experienced 21-year-old players in the world and we are excited to add her to our team," Director of Soccer Operations Huw Williams said. "She enjoyed a standout career at UNC and is a budding star at the international level. We look forward to her continued development as part of our FCKC family."
"Signing Katie was imperative for us ever since we drafted her," Coach Vlatko Andonovski said. "She will fit perfectly in our system and will help strengthen our team. I am very excited about the opportunity to work with a world class player such as her."
After losing both Amy Rodriguez as well as newly acquired Sydney Leroux to pregnancy, Bowen will be looked upon to add some spark to a suddenly depleted KC attack. During her freshman season, Bowen totaled 1,688 minutes and started 19 of the 20 games she played in and recorded two goals and seven assists. In addition, she was named to Soccer America second-team All-Freshman squad.
"I am thrilled to be joining such an amazing team," Bowen said. "The team culture sounds like one I am going to thoroughly enjoy. I’m excited to show off my speed and work ethic to both the fans and clubs, and of course, have fun doing it."
The twenty-one year old participated in the 2015 and 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cups. The Auckland, New Zealand native became the youngest player to represent her country at the international level when she played in an U-17 match on her 14th birthday in 2008 before moving to the United States to play at the University of North Carolina.
Bowen will become FC Kansas City’s first New Zealand international and fifth international player in team history.