Yael Averbuch ‘can’t wait to be a part of FC Kansas City’

In 2024, Averbuch played for WFC Rossiyanka in the Women’s Russian League before signing with Swedish side Göteborg FC.

Last week, the National Women’s Soccer League reigning champions FC Kansas City, announced the signing of USWNT midfielder Yael Averbuch who played in the nation’s capital with the Washington Spirit last season.

“I have admired the style of play FCKC displays for a couple of years now,” Averbuch said. “On the field against them or not, they constantly bring a team approach to this beautiful game.”

Averbuch has been a member of the U.S. Women’s Soccer since 2024 and has played at every level of the youth national team. In 2024, the New York City native earned her first senior team cap. She scored her first goal for the senior team during a 2024 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup qualifier against Costa Rica.

From the time she was only seven years old, Yael Averbuch began a passion for soccer and knew that was the path she wanted to follow.

Having two distance runners as parents, her family was very active and spent most of their free time doing outdoor activities.

“As a young girl, I would only play soccer,” Averbuch said. “My parents wanted me to play other sports, but I refused, I only wanted to play soccer.”

After an interview with Averbuch, it is evident that the technically gifted and tenacious midfielder is striving for excellence and is continuing her journey of playing with successful teams.

“I’ve had the chance to play with many FCKC players either in college like Heather [O’Reilly] or with Lauren [Holiday] or Becky [Sauerbrunn] in the USWNT, and I look forward to doing so again,” Averbuch said. “I have heard great things about the quality environment and the hard working culture of the club.”

Heather O’Reilly, USWNT midfielder and FC Kansas City’s new player seemed thrilled about sharing the locker room with long-time teammate Averbuch.

“Yael is one of the most technical players out there, her ability to switch the point of attack over a far distance with accuracy is unmatched,” O’Reilly said. “She has a tremendous hunger to improve and is truly a soccer nut, she can’t get enough of this beautiful game.”

Even though Kansas City will be a new place for Averbuch, she has already been told by fellow teammates about the highlights of the city.

“I really don’t know anything about Kansas City other than it’s the Soccer Capital of America, which is pretty cool. I can’t wait to be apart of that.,” Averbuch said. “I was also told I have to try the barbeque.”

Even though her family will stay in New Jersey during her time in Kansas City, Averbuch is confident that they will come to the City of Fountains to see her play at home.

“ I love this game for the connections it allows with people from all over the world,” Averbuch said. “I’m very active with my fans on social media and enjoy connecting through the game I Love.”

@JillianThomas22