KC Current
Alex Pfeiffer Departs KC Current in Stunning Move
The 18-year-old youth international seemed destined to be a star. Apparently, she’ll be doing it somewhere other than Kansas City.
It’s Christmas Eve and the Kansas City Current are handing out gifts no one asked for. The latest is the stunning decision to mutually part ways with 18-year-old Alex Pfeiffer.
Pfeiffer originally joined the KC Current as one of the National Women’s Soccer League’s first ever U-18 signings. She was a highly touted prospect who got into her first professional game in the opener that season against the Portland Thorns. She scored and went on to play 10 regular season matches before a season ending knee injury stole a year from her young career.
She returned to the field late last season and early four appearances and a single start in NWSL play for 95 minutes. She also came on as a sub in the playoff loss to NJ/NY Gotham. Most recently, she was a star for the KC Current at the World Sevens Football competition in Fort Lauderdale where she was prolific in front of net. It looked like a glimpse into the future of the KC Current with her combining with the likes of Temwa Chawinga, Michelle Cooper and others.
The Current stated, “Pfeiffer and the club have agreed to mutually terminate her contract as she explores other playing opportunities.”
Free Departure?
Exploring other playing opportunities may mean Pfeiffer was pursing more minutes elsewhere.
Alex Pfeiffer was signed through 2026 on a guaranteed deal. Obviously, the KC Current are acting in Pfeiffer’s best interest, however, they controlled her rights. They could have easily traded her to her destination of her choice (NWSL players have veto rights on trades now). Or attempted a transfer to another country since Pfeiffer is 18 now and could leave the United States if she chose.
Letting her leave the club for free is a bit surprising. They put two years into her development and by all accounts she’s destined for a promising career. To get nothing in return is a big surprise.
That said, working with a player and not ‘holding them hostage’ could be a good sign for other players who are looking to start their careers in Kansas City. The team is showing they won’t hold players back.
Steigleder and McCamey Depart
In other transactions, the KC Current also announced the departures of free agent goalkeeper Tyler McCamey and Regan Steigleder.
McCamey joined the team when Clare Gagne was placed on the season ending injury list for a concussion. She did not get into an NWSL match, but she played fantastic at World Sevens Football.
Steigleder played limited minutes over her two seasons with the Current, mostly appearing in non-league competitions at right back or center back. She had just one appearance for 28 minutes this season.
Another KC Current Loan
Also announced as a part of the moves today is an extension of the loan of Fridah Mukoma to Beijing Jingtan FC in the Chinese Women’s Super League for the 2026 season. Mukoma is only 19 years old and is a forward prospect to watch. She is under contract with the KC Current through the 2028 season.
State of the KC Current Roster
There are still three players who are out of contract that the Kansas City Current haven’t made announcements on. Bia Zaneratto (FWD), Bayley Feist (MID) and Clare Gagne (GK) all could still theoretically return.
The Current’s roster is up to 25 players right now of a possible 26. However, Mukoma and Flora Marta Lacho are on loan and Vanessa DiBernardo is on maternity leave. With the signing of Meila Brewer earlier this week, and today’s departure of Pfeiffer, the team should have only 22 spots filled.
With yesterday’s announcement of the High Impact Player rule from the NWSL, there is room to make some big moves. However, ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf is reporting that rule won’t go into effect until July 1st, so it’s unclear what immediate impact the new rule will have.
There is sure to be more KC Current roster news coming as preseason rapidly approaches. Stick with the KC Soccer Journal for all your news and analysis.
Update 11:33AM: Alex Pfeiffer posts her goodbye on social media.
“I am forever grateful for the teammates who made the last two years so special and for the relationships I have built,” began Pfeiffer. “I now have best friends for life and gained a cousin along the way too 🙂 I am thankful for all the coaches and how they helped me grow these last two years and to the medical and performance staff for getting me back from my injury in the best way. While my time here was cut short, I am looking forward to a new opportunity to join an environment that will continue to challenge me, support my growth, and push me to be the best version of myself. I’m excited for what’s ahead!”
Her teammates weighed in through the comments with Lo LaBonta adding, “I’m unwell.”
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Still getting over the shock so I don’t want to say too much. Steigler and McCamey were expected. Pfieffer is not a good look, especially when she looked like our best attacker by a mile at World 7s and not prioritizing her over Mary Long. Hopefully this is a terrible take that I will look back on at laugh though.
Not liking the new head coaching news either. Also, not the direction I expected the club to go…Armas? Really?
Not great Christmas Eve news. The new year better bring Bia/Marcario/Tabitha Chawinga type signing. As well as another midfielder or two.
Ditto. The Longs deserve some benefit of the doubt for all they’ve done right, but Armas was a weird choice. And, the consensus seemed to be Bia wanted to go back home and not re-sign, which would theoretically open up minutes for a goal scorer. I liked the layering in of promising young talent behind the vets, but this is a loss. Maybe more will come out about her wanting to go closer to home or to Europe, but why not work that out so the Current get something in return?
It occurs to me that the reason they might have let her go rather than sell her rights is that she might be going to college. We will see where she ends up going, but that would make a lot of sense.
Theoretically, that would still be against the rules – I think. Who knows anymore?
I just did some research and I still don’t know. Apparently NBA G league players have done it. So… it seems like she might be able to but it would be a new precedent. I dunno.
Good point. Several G leaguers are re-entering school. I suppose the argument would be that’s a “minor” league, but that seems like a tough distinction to make legally. They were paid to play just like a NWSLer.
I suppose we have to wait patiently until more info trickles out, both about Pfeiffer and the info that went into hiring Armas.
???