Former U.S. women's national team goalkeeper signs with Birmingham City, the club announced
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Franch moves to EnglandLeft Current after 2024 seasonWon World Cup with USWNT in 2019Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Birmingham City announced that the club has signed Adrianna 'AD' Franch, a 2019 World Cup winner with USWNT, on a deal that runs through the end of the 2024-25 season. Franch had previously been with the Kansas City Current in the NWSL, having spent all but one season of her professional career in the U.S.
The 34-year-oldjoins a Birmingham side that is currently atop the Women's Championship and is pushing for promotion to the Women's Super League. The club is a founding member of the English top flight but were relegated in 2021.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Franch was largely a long-tenured backup to USWNT legend Alyssa Naeher, but she was on several trophy-winning sides with the Americans. In addition to her World Cup winner's medal in 2019, she also has an Olympic Bronze medal on her resume as well. In total, Franch has earned 10 USWNT caps, with them all coming between 2019 and 2021.
On the club level, Franch has won two NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year awards, going back to back in 2017-18 as a member of the Portland Thorns. Additionally, she won an NWSL title with the Thorns in 2017. She had been a member of the KC Current for the last three seasons, having been traded by Portland in 2021. She was named as CONCACAF's Goalkeeper of the Year in 2017 for her performances with the Thorns.
Getty Images SportWHAT FRANCH SAID
“‘I’m super excited to be here," Franch told . "The opportunity presented itself and culturally getting a different experience you continue to learn. Being a part of a team that wants to move forward and be ambassadors in the women’s game and hopefully be part of something special.”
WHAT NEXT FOR FRANCH?
Birmingham will be in action on Sunday when they play host to Southampton.
