FC Kansas City releases full 2016 roster ahead of season opener Saturday

The National Women’s Soccer League two-time defending champions will look a bit different in 2016.

Five days before its season opener at Children’s Mercy Park, FC Kansas City released its 19-player roster Monday.

U.S. national team players Becky Sauerbrunn and Heather O’Reilly highlight a roster that welcomes back Canadian national team midfielder Desiree Scott, who spent the past two years overseas.

But the club will take the field without former league MVP Lauren Holiday, who retired after the 2015 season, and top forwards Amy Rodriguez and Sydney Leroux, who are pregnant and will miss the 2016 season.

FC Kansas City plays host to Western New York at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Children’s Mercy Park in its season opener.

The full roster:

Goalkeepers: Nicole Barnhart, Katelyn Rowland

Defenders: Becky Sauerbrunn, Brittany Taylor, Amanda Frisbie, Katie Bowen, Brianne Reed, Alex Arlitt

Midfielders: Alexa Newfield, Desiree Scott, Heather O’Reilly, Jen Buczkowski, Mandy Laddish, Yael Averbuch, Erika Tymrak, Frances Silva

Forwards: Shea Groom, Caroline Kastor, Tiffany McCarty

This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 3:26 PM with the headline "FC Kansas City releases full 2016 roster ahead of season opener Saturday."