KC Current trade OP native Cece Kizer to Houston for winger + international spot

As the 2024 season nears for the National Women’s Soccer League, new Kansas City Current coach and sporting director Vlatko Andonovski is making final tweaks to his roster.

The latest tweak is a big one: Andonovski, general manager Camille Ashton and the Current on Wednesday traded former Blue Valley Northwest High School star Cece Kizer to the Houston Dash in exchange for forward Nichelle Prince and a 2024 international roster slot.

The trade was initially reported by The Equalizer.

“We are incredibly grateful for the impact Cece has made on our club over the past two seasons,” Ashton said in a KC Current news release announcing the trade. “These decisions are always difficult, but we want to thank her and wish her the best going forward.”

Kizer, 26, scored seven goals in just 15 regular-season games after being acquired by the Current from Racing Louisville during the 2022 NWSL season. She was originally drafted by Houston out of Ole Miss in 2019. Louisville later selected her in the 2021 NWSL Expansion Draft.

Kizer quickly became a fan favorite in Kansas City, earning such nicknames as “Clutch” and Cash Money Kizer.” She scored eight goals and recorded three assists across all competitions this past season.

In October, Kizer was the Chiefs’ weekly drum honoree before a game against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Current had a logjam of central attackers and needed more depth on the wing — which is where Prince enters the equation. Kizer is more of a true center-forward, Prince a wing.

Prince, 28, is a Canadian who has played for the Canada Women’s National Team. She missed most of the 2023 NWSL season with an injury but was healthy enough to make the team Canada roster last year.

She has accumulated 96 caps for her home country, with 16 goals and 12 assists. She has played on two Canadian teams in the World Cup (2019, 2023), as well as two Olympic Games: Canada earned a bronze medal at the 2016 London Games and gold at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

“I am very happy to add Nichelle to this roster,” Andonovski said in the team’s news release. “Bringing a player of her quality to the club continues to strengthen the team as the competition within the squad grows stronger.”

Prince, selected by Houston in the first round of the 2017 NWSL Draft, played in eight NWSL games this past season, recording two assists. In 2022, Prince had three assists and five goals during the NWSL regular season. She has scored a total of 12 goals and tallied 11 assists during her pro career.

“Nichelle is a dynamic attacking player with success in the NWSL and on the international stage,” Ashton said. “We are excited to bring her to Kansas City, where her experience and professionalism will add great value to the club.”