Training Camp Opens Under Blue Skies

Glorious Weather to Kick Off Preseason

The 2024 preseason officially kicked off in full force today as FC Kansas City welcomed players to the first day of training. A good mixture of new and returning faces laced up their boots for two training sessions today.

The morning session at Overland Park Soccer Complex, was meant to introduce the players to each other, the coaches and the FC Kansas City style of play. After a brief warm-up, the players were split into teams for a full-field scrimmage.

"Today's sessions are all about evaluation," said Assistant Coach Huw Williams following the morning session. "This morning we wanted to see the players...see how they play and where we need to focus our efforts in the coming weeks. After the fitness testing this afternoon we'll be able to see each player's physical readiness."

The players convened for their afternoon session at SoccerFIT Academy in Overland Park, Kansas for their session of fitness training. The players were subjected to several tests to determine their stamina, their agility and their overall fitness. Scott Moody, founder of SoccerFIT Academy and FC Kansas City's Strength & Conditioning Coach, will use those results to develop a customized plan for each players' physical fitness.

"Everything went perfect for the first day," said Coach Williams about the first day of camp. "The weather was glorious, the players performed well and nobody got hurt. Tomorrow we will begin with some more intense coaching sessions and hopefully we will get to see even more out of each player."

Training Camp Notes:

  • DEFENDERS (4): Leigh Ann Robinson, Kassey Kallman, Nia Williams, Nikki Phillips MIDFIELDERS (9): Jen Buczkowski, Merritt Mathias, Erika Tymrak, Mandy Laddish, Jenna Richmond, Maegan Kelly, Molly Dreska, Stephanie Thompson, Missy Geha FORWARDS(6): Melissa Henderson, Liz Bogus, Morgan Marlborough, Frances Silva, Stephanie Rose, Caroline Kastor GOALKEEPERS(3): Nicole Barnhart, Emma Stevens, Sara Keane
  • Defender Becky Sauerbrunn and Forward Amy Rodriguez have not arrived at camp yet due to their duties with the U.S. Women's National Team at the Algarve Cup.
  • Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski missed today's session. He is also the head coach of the Major Indoor Soccer League's Missouri Comets. They are playing in Milwaukee tonight in Game Two of the league's semi-finals series. Andonovski will return for tomorrow's afternoon session.
  • The team will practice twice tomorrow, 10:00a.m. and 2:30p.m. CT. Both sessions will be at the Overland Park Soccer Complex and are open to the public.
  • FC Kansas City will open it's preseason exhibition schedule against the University of Missouri on March 18 in Columbia, MO.