KC Current extend Loera’s contract; Lynn Williams returns to USWNT with Franch, Mace

The Kansas City Current celebrated multiple call-ups to the U.S. Women’s National Team on Thursday, and also announced a three-year contract extension for Alex Loera after her breakout rookie season in 2022.

Current goalkeeper AD Franch and versatile defender Hailie Mace are both headed to their second consecutive national team camp. Another KC Current player, Lynn Williams, is returning to the national team for the first time since last February.

Williams missed all but the first game for the Current last season after tearing a hamstring in the opener.

“We’re very happy where Lynn is,” USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “She was very close to playing in the playoffs for her club team in Kansas City,”

While Williams was training at a high level late in her rehabilitation process, and perhaps could’ve indeed played for KC in the NWSL postseason, rushing back from a season-ending injury — with the World Cup on the horizon this summer — just wasn’t in the cards.

Andonovski indicated that Williams would have no restrictions on her time or training involvement with the national team, which bodes well for the Current.

They hope to see Williams on the team sheet when the new NWSL season begins in late March.

Loera’s contract extended

In other KC Current news Thursday, defender/midfielder Alex Loera agreed to a three-year contract extension.

She joins Mace, Cece Kizer, and Kate Del Fava as players who have received an extension or new contract from the Current this offseason.

Loera deserves credit for a fine rookie season. She was a crucial piece of the Current’s backline, then became integral in the midfield after suspensions and teammates’ injuries conspired to challenge the team’s depth down the stretch.

Loera’s ability to play both lines, coupled with the quality she possesses at both positions, enticed the Current to keep her around for the long run.

“We are so excited to have Alex with the club for the next three years,” Current general manager Camille Levin Ashton said. “Alex came to camp last season and we were immediately impressed with her calm demeanor and on-field presence.

“She’s proven to be a big part of the club’s recent success and as she leads by example, and will continue to do so moving forward.”

The Current are scheduled to kick off their preseason at the beginning of February. Their first NWSL game is set for March 25.

This story was originally published January 5, 2023 at 9:35 PM.