January 31, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Kansas City Current News Release
KANSAS CITY – Kansas City Current midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta has signed a new contract with the club ahead of the upcoming season that will keep her in Kansas City through 2025.
“I can’t think of a player that better fits the Kansas City style with her creativity and hard work,” said head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “Lo has a love for this city and this club that we want and that fans want to see. I’m very happy to have her on our roster.”
“Lo is such an important part of this team both on and off the field,” said general manager Camille Ashton. “We are thrilled to reach an agreement that allows her to extend her career with us in Kansas City.”
LaBonta was drafted by Sky Blue FC (now NJ/NY Gotham) in 2015 and played in six matches her rookie season. Signing with FC Kansas City the following year, LaBonta began to make a name for herself under Andonovski. In two seasons with FCKC she played 33 games with over 2,400 minutes before relocating to the Utah Royals in 2018. She tallied another 2,682 minutes of regular season play with the Royals and was only one of two players to play every minute of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup.
When Kansas City was awarded an expansion team in 2021, LaBonta was one of the first players brought to the roster. She is credited with creating the now iconic ‘KC Baby!’ chant as she helped to embed this franchise into the hearts and minds of the players and the fans of the Current.
Over three seasons, LaBonta ranks among the top three players in nearly every category for this club. She holds the Current records for:
– Games Played (56)
– Games Started (53)
– Minutes Played (4,468)
– Penalty Goals (6)
– Fouls Won (116)
“New stadium, new coach, new contract,” said LaBonta. “We are concocting something beautifully dangerous here with this new squad and I’m ready to run through a wall for them. KC BABY!”
LaBonta and her teammates are closing out the first leg of preseason camp this week in California before heading out to Florida Feb 16 – March 3. The world’s first stadium purpose-built for a women’s professional soccer team, CPKC Stadium, will open March 16 as the Kansas City Current host the Portland Thorns at 12pm CT. For tickets and information visit KansasCityCurrent.com.
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