Can Almuth Schult solve Kansas City Current’s defensive woes in the NWSL?

Kansas City Current just made a bold move, signing veteran international goalkeeper Almuth Schult through the end of the 2024 season. This star-studded arrival is set to shake up the NWSL and elevate the team to a whole new level. Schult, coming back to the highest level after her second pregnancy, is ready to hit the ground running and is expected to be available for selection in the Women’s Cup tournament starting on August 14.

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With an impressive track record, Schult’s excitement about this new chapter is palpable: “I’m thrilled to be coming to Kansas City and happy to return to the highest level after my second pregnancy. The Current gave us a great feeling as a family, and we can’t wait to be in that incredible stadium with those amazing fans. The team plays such exciting soccer, and I’m eager to join them and do my best.” That infectious enthusiasm signals she’s bringing a whole lot of energy and experience to the Kansas City Current.

Head coach Vlatko Andonovski didn’t hold back his praise for the new signing either: “Almuth has a proven track record of success against the world’s best. We believe her experience will take our goalkeeping corps to the next level.” And it’s no wonder. Schult’s resume is nothing short of impressive. Starting her career at FC SG Gartow, she moved through Magdeburger FFC, SC 07 Bad Neuenahr, and shone at VFL Wolfsburg, where she amassed a treasure trove of titles, including the UEFA Champions League. She even had a brief stint in the NWSL with Angel City in 2022 before heading back to Germany to give birth to her third child.

Schult’s journey with the German national team is equally admirable. She started with the U-19 squad in 2008, leading the U-20 team to a World Cup title just two years later. By 2011, she earned a spot on Germany’s senior squad for the FIFA World Cup on home soil, and in 2016, she guided the team to their first Women’s Soccer Olympic Gold Medal at the Summer Games.

Now, with Schult on board, expectations are sky-high for Kansas City Current. The team, already sitting second in the NWSL regular season standings during the international break, has only suffered one loss. However, defense has been a sore spot, with 22 goals conceded over 16 games. Schult’s arrival might just be the answer. Her wealth of experience and outstanding skills could be the key to stabilizing the backline and tightening up those defensive leaks.

Adrianna Franch, Kansas City’s current goalkeeper, has been a cornerstone for the team, but Schult’s addition promises to bring a fresh dynamic and some healthy competition to the position. Franch, a two-time NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, has played every minute of every regular season game so far. With Schult in the squad, Andonovski now has two elite goalkeepers at his disposal—a potential game-changer in the quest for the title.

But Schult’s impact isn’t limited to the pitch. She’s also known for her work as a broadcast analyst in Germany, covering Bundesliga and DFB games for ARD television. This additional experience could be invaluable to the team, offering tactical insights and an analytical edge that might benefit the entire squad.

Schult’s presence in Kansas City Current is likely to extend beyond just on-field performance. Her star power could elevate the team’s profile and draw more attention to the NWSL. With an international icon like Schult, Kansas City could become an even more attractive destination for other big names in women’s soccer.

So, as the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Schult influences the team’s trajectory. Will she be the missing piece that solidifies Kansas City Current’s defense and pushes them towards glory? If her past is any indication, Schult is more than ready to rise to the challenge, making her a player to watch in the NWSL.