KC Current adds ‘world-class forward’ & another ‘great asset’ to roster for 2024
The Kansas City Current continues to round out its roster for the 2024 season, announcing two notable additions on Monday.
The first addition was a high-profile signing on a global basis, as the Current acquired Beatriz Zaneratto Joao, known as “Bia,” from the Brazilian club Palmeiras. Her contract is for the 2024 season with an option for 2025, pending receipt of her visa and International Transfer Certificate.
“Bia’s goal-scoring ability, creativity in and around the box are extraordinary,” said coach and sporting director Vlatko Andonovski in the team release. “She is a world-class forward, proven in club and country.”
Bia spent much of her club career playing for the Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels in South Korea, scoring 76 goals in 103 matches. She briefly played with recently acquired goalscorer Temwa Chawinga at Wuhan Jianghan University in 2020 before returning to her native country on loan with Palmeiras.
She has represented Brazil 103 times and scored 36 goals while playing in four World Cups and two Olympic tournaments.
Bia brings more attacking flare to a stacked forwards room. She and Debinha teamed up for a particularly sensational goal during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
JOGO BONITO
The Goal of the Day comes from Brazil's Bia Zaneratto! pic.twitter.com/G2Uiv6aDRU— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 24, 2023
The Current also added free-agent midfielder Bayley Feist on a two year deal through 2025.
“Bayley will be a great addition to the team,” general manager Camille Ashton said in the team release. “Her technical ability combined with the toughness she plays with make her a great asset for the club. We look forward to having her in Kansas City.”
Feist was drafted with the 17th overall pick in the 2019 NWSL draft by the Washington Spirit after a standout four-year career at Wake Forest. She appeared in every game and started every match in her junior and senior seasons.
Feist made 53 total appearances during her time with the Spirit, which was plagued by injury. She missed a large part of the 2021 season with a torn ACL and missed much of last season with a knee injury.
In total, Feist scored three goals and assisted three goals in 2,699 total minutes.
Feist is a much-needed addition to the midfield, where the Current were lacking depth. She can provide support both attacking and defending along with the grit that Andonovski is looking for in that spot.
KC Current preseason begins with warmer weather
The Current will head west next week to begin their preseason training in Irvine, California. They’ll stay there from January 28-February 5 for the first leg of the preseason.
