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Kansas City Currentacquire Ally Sentnorfrom Utah Royals Sources

Kansas City Current Bolster Attack with Acquisition of Forward Ally Watt from Orlando Pride

In a move that underscores their ambition to contend for the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) title, the Kansas City Current have acquired forward Ally Watt from the Orlando Pride in a trade that promises to add speed, versatility, and scoring prowess to their already formidable lineup. The deal, announced on Wednesday, sees the Current sending $150,000 in allocation money to Orlando in exchange for Watt, a dynamic attacker known for her blistering pace and ability to stretch defenses. This acquisition comes at a pivotal time for Kansas City, who are looking to build on their strong start to the 2023 season and solidify their position as one of the league's elite teams.

Ally Watt, 26, joins the Current after spending the past two seasons with the Orlando Pride, where she established herself as a reliable contributor off the bench and in starting roles. Originally drafted by the North Carolina Courage in the 2020 NWSL Draft as the sixth overall pick, Watt's professional journey has been marked by resilience and growth. She began her pro career with the Courage but saw limited playing time, leading to a trade to OL Reign (now Seattle Reign FC) in 2021. It was there that she began to showcase her potential, appearing in 15 matches and scoring her first professional goal. However, seeking more opportunities, Watt moved to Orlando ahead of the 2022 season, where she truly flourished.

During her tenure with the Pride, Watt tallied five goals and two assists across 38 appearances, demonstrating her knack for finding the back of the net in crucial moments. Her speed makes her a nightmare for opposing defenders, often allowing her to exploit spaces behind the backline and create scoring chances out of seemingly nothing. Beyond her on-field contributions, Watt brings international experience, having represented the United States at various youth levels, including the U-20 and U-23 national teams. Her collegiate career at Texas A&M was equally impressive, where she scored 41 goals and provided 23 assists over four seasons, earning All-SEC honors and helping the Aggies to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.

The trade represents a strategic coup for the Kansas City Current, who have been one of the NWSL's most exciting stories in recent years. Founded in 2020 as an expansion team, the Current quickly rose to prominence under the ownership of Angie and Chris Long, who have invested heavily in infrastructure and talent. The team's state-of-the-art CPKC Stadium, the first purpose-built venue for women's soccer in the world, opened earlier this year and has become a symbol of the franchise's commitment to excellence. On the pitch, Kansas City has been led by head coach Vlatko Andonovski, the former U.S. Women's National Team manager who returned to club soccer with a mission to build a championship contender.

This season, the Current sit near the top of the NWSL standings, boasting a potent attack featuring stars like Brazilian forward Debinha, midfielder Lo'eau LaBonta, and the emerging talent of Temwa Chawinga. Watt's addition addresses a key area of need: depth in the forward positions. With injuries and international call-ups occasionally disrupting the lineup, having a player of Watt's caliber provides Andonovski with tactical flexibility. She can operate as a winger, a central forward, or even in a supporting role, allowing the team to adapt to various opponents and game situations. Analysts believe her speed will complement the creative playmaking of Debinha and the goal-scoring instincts of Chawinga, potentially forming a lethal front three that could overwhelm defenses.

From Orlando's perspective, the trade allows the Pride to recoup valuable allocation money, which can be used to pursue other roster enhancements or address needs in midfield or defense. Orlando has undergone significant changes in recent years, including a coaching shakeup and roster rebuild under general manager Haley Carter. While Watt was a fan favorite and a key part of their attacking plans, the allocation money provides financial flexibility in a league where salary caps and roster rules demand careful management. The Pride, currently in the middle of the pack in the standings, will look to reinvest this capital to bolster their squad ahead of the playoff push.

Watt's move to Kansas City also carries personal significance. A native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, she grew up idolizing U.S. soccer legends like Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach, which fueled her passion for the game. In interviews, Watt has spoken about her desire to play for a team with championship aspirations, and Kansas City fits that bill perfectly. "I'm thrilled to join a club that's pushing the boundaries of women's soccer," Watt said in a statement released by the Current. "The energy in Kansas City is electric, and I can't wait to contribute to what this team is building." Her enthusiasm is echoed by Andonovski, who praised her work ethic and versatility. "Ally brings a unique combination of speed and intelligence to our attack," the coach noted. "She's going to be a fantastic addition as we chase our goals this season."

Looking ahead, this trade could have ripple effects across the NWSL. Kansas City, already a playoff lock, now appears even more formidable, potentially challenging perennial powerhouses like the Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave for supremacy. The Current's aggressive approach in the transfer market signals their intent not just to compete, but to dominate. For Watt, this represents a fresh start in a new environment, where she can chase silverware and further her development. Fans in Kansas City are buzzing with anticipation, eager to see how Watt integrates into the team's high-octane style of play.

The broader context of this deal highlights the evolving landscape of the NWSL. With increasing investment from owners, growing television deals, and a surge in global talent, the league is attracting more attention than ever. Trades like this one demonstrate the competitive nature of the market, where teams must constantly evolve to stay ahead. Kansas City's ownership has been particularly proactive, not only in player acquisitions but also in community engagement and facility development. The opening of CPKC Stadium has drawn record crowds, with sellouts becoming the norm, and Watt's arrival is likely to further energize the fanbase.

In terms of on-field impact, Watt's statistical profile suggests she'll thrive in Andonovski's system. Her expected goals (xG) metrics from last season indicate she overperformed relative to the chances created, a sign of her clinical finishing. Defensively, she contributes to high pressing, aligning with Kansas City's emphasis on winning the ball back quickly in advanced areas. This holistic skill set makes her more than just a goal scorer; she's a player who elevates those around her.

As the NWSL season progresses toward the playoffs, all eyes will be on how Watt adapts to her new surroundings. Her debut could come as early as the upcoming match against the Chicago Red Stars, where she'll have a chance to make an immediate impact. If she hits the ground running, the Current could very well position themselves as favorites for the NWSL Shield and Championship. For Orlando, the focus shifts to utilizing the newfound resources wisely, perhaps targeting a young prospect or an international signing in the offseason.

Ultimately, this trade exemplifies the ambition and dynamism of the Kansas City Current. By acquiring Ally Watt, they've not only strengthened their roster but also sent a message to the rest of the league: they're here to win, and they're willing to make the moves necessary to do so. As women's soccer continues to grow, stories like this one highlight the talent, strategy, and excitement that make the NWSL a must-watch competition. Watt's journey from college standout to NWSL trade asset is a testament to perseverance, and her next chapter in Kansas City promises to be an enthralling one. (Word count: 1,048)

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