KANSAS CITY — The Kansas City Current Tuesday acquired U.S. women’s national team midfielder Sam Mewis in a trade with the North Carolina Courage for defender Kiki Pickett and the Current’s natural first round pick in the 2022 NWSL draft.
In a separate transaction related to the trade, the Courage obtained the discovery rights of Malia Berkely from the Current in exchange for the Courage’s natural first round pick in the draft.
“Sam Mewis has proven herself as one of the best soccer players in the world,” Current co-owner Angie Long said in a statement. “It’s not a coincidence that everywhere she’s played throughout her career, titles have followed. She’s a leader on and off the field and we are thrilled to have her join the Current as a key contributor to help bring NWSL championships to Kansas City.”
With a Women’s World Cup Championship, three NWSL titles, a NCAA Division crown and a FA Cup Championship, along with numerous individual accolades, Mewis joins the Current as one of the most decorated players in women’s soccer.
“I’m really excited to start this new chapter with Kansas City,” Mewis said. “I know how much the city has embraced our sport and I can’t wait to meet the fans. I’m honored to be part of what this group is doing and I’m really looking forward to getting started with my new teammates. I have a lot of confidence in this team already and can’t wait to get to work. Go Current!”
Mewis was U.S. Soccer’s 2020 female player of the year.
Selected fourth overall in the 2015 NWSL Draft, Mewis made an immediate impact for the Western New York Flash. She started every game and was named a finalist for the 2015 rookie of the year award. In 2016, Mewis scored two playoff goals and helped the Flash win the 2016 NWSL championship.
With the Flash and Courage, Mewis won three NWSL Championships (2016, 2018, 2019) and appeared in four straight title matches. She was named to the NWSL Best XI and was a NWSL MVP Finalist in 2017. Mewis has 21 career goals in 92 regular season appearances, plus another four goals in eight playoff appearances.
Following the 2020 NWSL Fall Series, Mewis signed to play in England with Manchester City. Making 29 appearances for City, she scored 14 goals and was named to PFA Team of the Year. Mewis added another title to her resumé during her time overseas. She scored a goal in each of the semi-finals and finals as she helped her side to the 2020 FA Cup Championship.
Pickett joins the Courage after being selected with the first pick for Kansas City in the 2020 NWSL Draft. After finishing her senior season at Stanford University, Pickett joined Kansas City in June and made her professional debut against the Washington Spirit on June 26. She played in 16 games, starting in 13. She tied for second on the team in tackles (36), possession won (119) and crosses blocked (4).
