Kansas City Current set to bolster back line with star defender from Denmark: sources
Debinha may not be the only member of the Kansas City Current participating in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
According to multiple sources, the Current are acquiring Stine Ballisager Pedersen, a center back who plays with Valerenga IF of the top women’s league in Norway, through an international transfer.
Sources indicated her contract will run through the 2024 season, with a mutual option for 2025.
Pedersen, a consistent starter for the Denmark Women’s National Team, will join the Current in person when the Danes conclude their run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. While Denmark’s roster hasn’t been announced yet, she is expected to take part in their World Cup campaign.
The Current confirmed the acquisition later on Monday morning.
Pedersen has a high pedigree in Denmark. She was named the Danish Women’s Player of the Year in 2022 and has featured for Denmark a total of 43 times, playing in the 2017 UEFA Euros when Denmark was runner-up and in the 2022 Euros.
The Current could use some more experience and depth along the back line, specifically at the center-back position. Alex Loera featured there for a majority of the 2022 season, but her value was also on display as a defensive midfielder during the club’s postseason run. That left the back line highly reliant on Elizabeth Ball as the club’s lone veteran defender, and she has missed much of the season with a hamstring injury.
Rookies Gabrielle Robinson and Croix Soto have filled in, but they have been prone to mistakes on the back line. And even with Ball back, the Current were missing someone to pair with her. Pedersen can fill that role while bringing experience and consistency.
Pedersen has played in 104 matches for Valerenga since 2018 and has led the league in minutes three times in her career.
For a Current team that has had a woeful injury record the last two seasons, having another veteran defender who is consistently available could make a big difference — not only in the postseason push this season, but also in the future.
But for now, Current fans interested in watching the club’s new addition will have to do so at the World Cup. Denmark’s first match is slated for July 22 at 7 a.m. Central.
This story was originally published July 3, 2023 at 8:00 AM.