Current sign goalkeeper Laurel Ivory

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.

PARTIU ESTADOS UNIDOS? 👀

De acordo com a repórter Valéria Possamai, a goleira Lorena, do Grêmio e da Seleção Brasileira, não fica no tricolor gaúcho para a próxima temporada.

O grande desempenho da goleira nos Jogos Olímpicos de Paris ajudou a torna-la alvo de propostas. Ela… pic.twitter.com/ZukS2JuTb6

— Fut das Minas (@futdasminass) December 19, 2024

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