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Kansas City NWSL Acquires Three Players from the North Carolina Courage for Forward Amy Rodriguez

July 22, 2021 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Kansas City Current News Release


KANSAS CITY - Kansas City NWSL traded forward Amy Rodriguez and $60,000 in allocation money to the North Carolina Courage in exchange for forward Kristen Hamilton, goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland and midfielder Hailie Mace.

Rodriguez departs as one of the top contributors in Kansas City women's professional soccer history. In addition to her success with the US Women's National Team, the Lake Forest, Calif. native led FC Kansas City to two NWSL Championships and earned league MVP honors in 2015. Rodriguez totaled a combined 48 appearances and 28 goals for FC Kansas City and KC NWSL.

"I have a huge amount of respect and gratitude for Amy, not just for what she has accomplished on the pitch and for what she means to Kansas City soccer, but for her professionalism and leadership," said Head Coach Huw Williams. "These are difficult decisions that almost always come down to timing and circumstances, and in this case, that means giving up a great player to build our team. We wish Amy the best moving forward."

The trade comes a little over halfway through the inaugural season for Kansas City NWSL (0-7-3). Hamilton and Rowland have teamed up for six NWSL Championships and are among the league's best in statistical categories at their respective positions. Mace joins KC NWSL as one of the top young prospects in the league, with notable international experience.

Hamilton was selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NWSL Draft by the Western New York Flash and was a member of the 2016 NWSL Championship team with the Flash. Following the team's move to North Carolina, she also won two NWSL Championships in 2018 and 2019. Hamilton added 16 goals for the Courage during her tenure.

Rowland returns to Kansas City after originally being selected in the 2015 NWSL Draft by then-FC Kansas City General Manager Huw Williams. The Walnut Creek, Calif. product was traded to the Western New York Flash midway through the 2016 season, and, like Hamilton, she was a vital member of the 2016, 2018 and 2019 NWSL Championships for Western New York/North Carolina. Along with the championships, Rowland was named to the 2017 NWSL Second XI.

Mace, a standout at UCLA, was selected second overall in the 2019 NWSL Draft by Sky Blue FC. Electing instead to play in Australia and Sweden, she returned to the NWSL prior to the 2020 Challenge Cup and was traded from Sky Blue to North Carolina. Mace has made 15 appearances for the Courage while adding two goals and tallying an assist.

"We're excited to welcome Kristen, Katelyn and Hailie to the club," said Williams. "These are three dynamic players who can provide immediate impact for us. We are looking forward to quickly putting them in positions to contribute."

KC NWSL and the Courage will face off against each other on Friday at 7 p.m. CT at Legends Field. Tickets are available at KCWoSo.com/tickets.

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