FRANCES SILVA ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

KANSAS CITY (Nov. 16, 2024) – Two-time National Women’s Soccer League champion midfielder Frances Silva announced her retirement from professional soccer this morning. She plans to join Fox Soccer as a Social Media Specialist.

“I want to thank the FC Kansas City organization for allowing me to live out my lifelong dream of playing professional soccer,” Silva said.

“Getting to play in my hometown and winning two titles for this great city is more than I could have ever hoped for. I want to also thank my teammates and coaching staff for making the experience something I’ll always remember. Walking away from the game you love is never easy, but I’m excited for the new challenges that are ahead working for Fox Soccer.”

Silva is one of a handful of local talents that have played for the Blues in the first four NWSL seasons. The Overland Park, Kansas native attended Blue Valley North High School, where she set a number of program records and led the Mustangs to the 2024 state championship. She finished her career with 41 goals and 17 assists, which helped earn her scholarship to West Virginia.

She quickly found her place with the Mountaineers, appearing in all 24 matches (starting 20) and earning Big East All-Rookie Team honors in 2024. She contributed 87 points in her next three seasons, which included 15 goals and 13 assists her senior year.  West Virginia won the Big 12 Championship and she was tabbed as the conference Player of the Year.

Silva was drafted by the Blues with the 19th overall pick in 2024 and played in 18 games, starting five for the league champions. She scored two goals and had one assist her rookie year. She contributed three goals to the FCKC’s second title run in 2024. This past season, Silva started ten games and played in all but one.

“Every time we lose a player to retirement we’re filled with mixed feelings. It’s not any different this time…we are sad for losing Fran. She was an important part of this team during our most successful times and helped us to win two NWSL championships,” said head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “At the same time, we are happy for her and excited about her new opportunities.”