Bowen, who was selected No. 16th overall by FC Kansas City’s in the NWSL College Draft, becomes the first player of the 2016 class to be signed

KANSAS CITY (Jan. 30, 2016) – FC Kansas City has signed midfielder Katie Bowen from New Zealand, pending receipt of her P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (UTC), the club announced on Friday. Bowen, who has been added to the team’s roster, will occupy an international roster spot.

Per league and team policies, terms on the contract were not disclosed.

“Katie [Bowen] is a highly talented young versatile player. She is one of the most experienced 21-year-old players in the world and we are excited to add her to our team,” Director of Soccer Operations Huw Williams said. “She enjoyed a standout career at UNC and is a budding star at the international level. We look forward to her continued development as part of our FCKC family.”

Bowen, 21, participated in the 2015 and 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cups. The Auckland, New Zealand native became the youngest player to represent her country at the international level when she played in a U-17 match on her 14th birthday in 2008 before moving to the United States to play at the University of North Carolina.

“I am thrilled to be joining such an amazing team,” Bowen said. “The team culture sounds like one I am going to thoroughly enjoy. Being a professional soccer player was a dream for me and Kansas City has made that into a reality. I’m excited to show off my speed and work ethic to both the fans and clubs, and of course, have fun doing it.”

During her freshman season, Bowen totaled 1,688 minutes and started 19 of the 20 games she played in and recorded two goals and seven assists. In addition, she was named to Soccer America second-team All-Freshman squad.

“Signing Katie [Bowen] was imperative for us ever since we drafted her,” Coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “She will fit perfectly in our system and will help strengthen our team. I am very excited about the opportunity to work with a world class player such as her.”

Bowen will become FC Kansas City’s first New Zealand international and fifth international player in team history. In the past, the Blues’ roster has featured Canada’s Desiree Scott and Lauren Sesselmann, Mexico’s Renae Cuellar and Australia’s Katrina Gorry.

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