Barnhart remains brilliant for KC
Boyertown graduate honored for 100th NWSL regular season appearance
When Kimber and Rose Mary Barnhart took a trip to Kansas City in September to visit their daughter, Nicole, and watch her in goal for FC Kansas City, they didn’t know they’d find themselves on the field, too.
Yet that’s just what happened when Nicole was honored for playing her 100th National Women’s Soccer League regular season match, a feat unmatched in the league’s five-year history. Barnhart was joined by her parents and sister Valerie on the field in the pregame of Kansas City’s 4-1 victory over Sky Blue FC on Sept. 4 while being recognized with a commemorative plaque for her accomplishment.
Barnhart, a Gilbertsville native and Boyertown graduate, went on to close out her season with FC Kansas City and was voted the Blues’ Most Valuable Player by fans and teammates on Oct. 10 after playing every minute of every game this season. Her 97 saves led the NWSL and she recorded six shutouts.
“Consistency is often times underappreciated,” captain Becky Sauerbrunn told the FCKC website. “But in the years I’ve played, I’ve come to value the consistency
“Consistency is often times underappreciated. But in the years I’ve played, I’ve come to value the consistency so much. In large part that’s because of Barnie. She is so dependable both on and off the field.” – FC Kansas City Captain Becky Sauerbrunn on teammate Nicole Barnhart.
so much. In large part that’s because of Barnie. She is so dependable both on and off the field.”
She holds the all-time NWSL record with 38 clean sheets and was voted Goalkeeper of the Year in 2013. Barnhart backstopped FCKC to the NWSL championship in 2014 and 2015.
This season, FC Kansas City fell a place short of the playoffs, finishing with an 8-9-7 record.
Over the history of the league, FC Kansas City has had one of the stronger defenses in the league, thanks in large part to Barnhart’s play.
“Barnie is one of the most veteran and consistent players in the women’s game. Her dedication to the game and FC Kansas City is unmatched and it’s an absolute honor to take the field with her,” said defender Yael Averbuch.