The North Carolina Courage Monday traded U.S. women’s national team forward Lynn Williams to the Kansas City Current in exchange for $200,000 in allocation money, the rights to goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland and the team’s natural first round pick in the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League Draft.
The Courage hold three first round picks in the 2023 draft.
Williams, 28, has scored 14 goals in 45 appearances with the USWNT.
“Since coming to North Carolina, Lynn has represented the Courage jersey with the utmost respect and passion,” Courage head coach Sean Nahas said in a statement. “She has given so much to this club, her teammates, the fans, and staff in helping to win titles. More importantly, she has always carried herself with class and she is someone I will truly miss having here. I will always continue to be one of her biggest supporters and will always wish her much success. I cannot thank Lynn enough for what she has done here and the trust she has shown me personally in helping her along the way on her journey. She’s a special person who will always be a massive part of the Courage legacy.”
Drafted sixth overall by the Western NY Flash in 2015, Williams helped lead the squad to its first NWSL championship a year later. The Fresno, Calif. native was named the 2016 NWSL MVP and also earned the Golden Boot Award prior to the club relocating to North Carolina in 2017.
With the Courage, Williams played an integral role procuring two more NWSL crown, three NWSL Shields, and an ICC Championship title. A powerful forward on and off the ball, Williams collected 48 goals and 20 assists in 100 appearances with the Courage. During the 2021 season, she became the league leader in assists, breaking the league record.
“Lynn has been such a massive part of our Courage history and we are so grateful for the significant impact she’s made on this club,” Courage president and general manager Curt Johnson said in a statement. “It’s a bittersweet goodbye, as we will miss her presence on and off the field here. However, we understood her desire to continue to pursue new challenges and we honored her decision to make that transition in her career.”
Rowland returns to the Courage after being traded to Kansas City last July. With the Current, Rowland logged four appearances and 360 minutes.
“We are thrilled to bring Katelyn back to North Carolina as a part of this trade,” Johnson said. “She has also been an important part of our championship rosters for many years, an active member in the community, and returns with a wealth of veteran experience. Also, we are excited for more player news soon as we’ve been working on a parallel path to reinvest these resources immediately.”
Rowland appeared in 30 matches for the Courage, and has been a big part of the team’s continued success throughout the years. She also was a part of two NWSL Championship teams that also won three NWSL Shields and a Women’s ICC Championship title. Rowland also began her career with the club in Western New York, making six appearances.
“First, I would like to thank the Kansas City organization, my teammates, staff, and fans for the opportunities, experiences and support provided to me during my time here,” Rowland said. “They have an amazing group of people with a bright future in the NWSL. This opportunity to return back to Carolina feels like I’m returning home. I know this year is going to look a lot different in many ways, but I am excited to be a part of the next chapter. I’m ready to put the crest on and eager to get back to work.”
