LaBonta is Determined to Succeed

Photos courtesy of ISI Photos

By Caroline McCray

FC Kansas City suffered their first loss at home this season as they fell to the Houston Dash 2-1, however Lo’eau LaBonta proved she could play in multiple positions on the field.

LaBonta started this game at forward instead of her normal midfielder position for the first time ever. By halftime, LaBonta led the team in total shots taken and was tied for most tackles won. Her best attempt came in the 18th minute as she fired a shot from outside the box that went just above the crossbar.

LaBonta has started in every single game so far this season and has played almost 1,100 minutes. She is currently in third place on the team for most shots taken just behind forwards Sydney Leroux and Shea Groom.

LaBonta also had an impressive college career at Stanford University. During her senior year, she started 21 out of 22 games and scored 13 goals with 5 assists.

In January 2024, LaBonta was drafted to Sky Blue FC as the 34th overall pick. However, after being on the team for only seven months, she was waived. Less than a year later, she joined FC Kansas City and was looking for a second chance at her soccer career, which was exactly what she got.

Now, LaBonta is a vital player and regular starter for the Blues.

Not only is LaBonta an extremely hardworking player, but she also brings so much energy and enthusiasm into practice every single day. She is an essential player for FC Kansas City and now knows she can play wherever she is needed.

Unfortunately, LaBonta received her second yellow card after a controversial foul call in the second half of yesterday's game. The foul was seemingly a routine tackle, one that LaBonta has made a dozen times without incident, however this time, the referee made a game-altering decision that forced LaBonta out of the game.

When she returns to action, Blues fans can expect to have the same tough and determined play from the veteran midfielder.

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