In her second year as a professional, Angel City FC midfielder Kennedy Fuller is settling into a valuable role, for new coach Alex Straus.
“I have had lots of talks with all of our technical staff,” the 18-year-old midfielder said. “I’m really focused on performing and doing what I can and what I’m asked to do for the team. I think whether that’s deeper (on the field), or whether that’s higher, as long as I’m able to help the players around me is the most important. I’ve had fun learning both (the 10 and the 6 positions).”
With the arrival of Straus, Fuller was moved into a deeper position on the field. However, with the absence of Jun Endo, the last couple of games, Fuller has been moved back into an attacking role in the 10.
“From last season to this season at the 10, I feel like I’ve grown in my knowledge, but also being able to drop into the 6, I’m excited to complete myself as a player,” she said. “Even though they’re both in the midfield, they are completely different, and being able to complete my game is what I’m learning to do. I am 18, and so development is super important, and that’s something that I’m learning and hopefully able to do through the changes of both positions.”
Fuller made 19 appearances last season and has 17 heading into Monday’s Labor Day clash against Northern California rival Bay FC at BMO Stadium.
Recently, Angel City moved three internationals (Katie Zelem, Alanna Kennedy and Julie Dufour), shortening the roster, which should allow for more moments of growth for Fuller in her development.
“We have had some issues with our injury situations and availability for some players, so we needed to use our roster and she was moved up a little bit higher (on the field),” Straus said. “I believe very much that instead of having 30 players on a roster, it’s good to have a smaller roster. You also need to have the talent in your roster that can play in different positions and that they’re not just limited to one position, and Kennedy is one of those players.”
“We tend to forget she’s (Fuller) just turned 18 and she’s already played enormously (well) and in many games in the NWSL for a player that age. I’m really looking forward to seeing Kennedy Fuller play when she is 25. I think she’s gonna be really good. If it’s as a 6 or if it’s as a 10, I don’t know. I think she can do both.”
Bay FC is in 12th in the standings with 17 points. Angel City is in 10th on 20 points.
BAY FC at ANGEL CITY FC
When: Monday, 6 p.m.
Where: BMO Stadium
How to watch: CBSSN, FanDuel Sports Network SoCal
