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Current sign goalkeeper Laurel Ivory

Two keepers out and two (?) in for Kansas City

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Laurel Ivory | Credit: Thad Bell KC Soccer Journal

Kansas City Current fans gained some clarity on the goalkeeper position for the 2025 season this week. First the Current posted the obligatory thank you and good luck in the future posts on social media to Almuth Schult and AD Franch . The Current had already revealed they were out of contract but it was implied they might both be back. Now it is evident AD and Almuth will not be back in a Current uniform.

Next in quick order, a keeper rumor popped up, and then an actual announcement.

The Current signed free agent goalkeeper Laurel Ivory to a one-year contract through the 2025 season, with a mutual option for 2026. Ivory is a former US Youth National Team goalkeeper who joined the Seattle Reign in 2022 after college. Ivory went to the University of Virginia.

“Laurel is a great young goalkeeper who can strengthen a position that is critical for us” said sporting director and head coach Vlatko Andonovski via press release. “We’ve seen firsthand how good she can play and we are happy to have her come to Kansas City.”

Ivory made her professional debut in 2023 during the NWSL Challenge Cup. Last season, Ivory made eight starts in nine appearances for Seattle. The Current had a good look at her in May when she was able to earn a shutout versus the Current. It was the first time Kansas City was scoreless in the 2024 season. She was not so fortunate when the Reign visited Kansas City and the Current ran roughshod over Seattle in a 5-2 win.

 

 

A second keeper close?

Around the same time the Current announced Ivory, a report linked Brazilian National Team keeper Lorena to the Current. Lorena was one of the stars of the 2024 Olympics, impressing with her tremendous saves. She helped lead Brazil to the Gold Medal match against the US Womens National Team. Lorena and Brazil only allowed one goal but fell 1-0 to the USWNT.

With Almuth Schult setting a benchmark for quality play in goal, it was expected the Current would go for a high-level keeper to replace her. Lorena would seem to fit that expectation for Kansas City. This report is LIKELY accurate and Kansas City could go from zero keepers on the roster to a keeper room of Laurel and Lorena this week.

 

Laurel happy to be in Kansas City | Credit: Thad Bell

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ar_jhawk

I really thought one of Schult or Franch (but not both) would be back. Shows what I know. Was hoping for Schult, but the two reported options sound pretty good.

ar_jhawk

Just did a little “research” into Lorena. 6 feet tall, 22 starts for Brazil and only 27. Had a great Olympics. Sign her up!

KCOutsider

I may have missed something, but anyone know why Schult isn’t returning? Did she want out, or did the team want to move on from her?

Toni

Yeah – I really wanted Schult to stay. I hadn’t thought that she might not like to stay in KC. I’m curious too

Toni

Thanks for the update! Makes me feel better. The Brazilian GK was pretty good in Olympics.. hope we get a stand out like her.
Also, I see we got Rocky Rodriguez from AGFC.

KCOutsider

That’s fair, thanks. Best wishes to her.

Chad Smith

I’m excited for the two new keepers. Thad has since confirmed the Lorena deal (https://x.com/TheBackpost/status/1870238189127974934).

I wanted Schult back too, but it makes sense that it may not work for her being so far from family with three kids.

Lorena played a heck of an Olympics and Ivory can press her to start and if nothing be solid depth.

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